Sunday, March 14th, 2021
Cordier Auditorium
Debra Lynn, Conductor
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36 | Ludwig van Beethoven | |||
I. Adagio molto -- Allegro
con brio |
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Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 | Ludwig van Beethoven | |||
Theme and Variations, Op. 42 | Erich Wolfgang Korngold | |||
Dance Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, Op. 47 | Camille Saint-Saëns | |||
The Adams Program Notes |
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The program notes for this concert were written by Dr. Robert Lynn. | ||||
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36 |
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) |
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Beethoven composed his second symphony in 1801-02. This was at the end of his first compositional period, an assimilation of the mature classical style, as represented by the works of Haydn and Mozart. The first movement begins with a lengthy introduction, which adds to the grand scale of the symphony. A traditional sonata form follows the introductions. The second movement opens with a simple triadic theme, presented in imitation in the strings. The simple folk-like theme adds to the pastoral character of the movement. Like the first movement, the form is a sonata. One of Beethoven's longest slow movements, it is a leisurely stroll through the countryside. Schubert borrowed the main theme for his Sonata in C for piano four-hands. The second symphony stands at the doorway to Beethoven's more mature second period; thus, in addition to showing a culmination of his early style, it also looks forward, hinting at things to come. The third movement's scherzo, with its rambunctious character, demonstrates this. A wild country dance is contrasted with an aristocratic quartet of oboes and bassoons. The last movement opens with a lurching figure, then runs headlong, with quick notes in the strings propelling the first theme forward. The cellos introduce a second, calmer theme, simple and song-like. The lurching figure appears regularly, like an awkward signpost, alerting the listener of the return of the main theme. The coda turns up the heat a bit more, bringing the symphony to a fleet-footed close. |
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Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 | Ludwig van Beethoven | |||
The Coriolan Overture was written for the 1804 play by Heinrich Joseph von Collin. The overture contains two main themes connected to the play, the first conveying the violent nature of Coriolan, the second representing Coriolan's mother. Coriolan is a Roman military leader who feels betrayed by the senate. He flees into exile and leads the Volcians in an attack on Rome. His mother pleads with him to break off the attack, which he eventually does. In the play, he takes his own life; this is depicted at the close of the overture. |
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Theme and Variations, Op. 42 |
Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) |
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Korngold was an Austrian-born composer. He was especially known for film scores to "swashbuckler" movies, particularly those for Captain Blood and Robin Hood. His style is reminiscent of Richard Strauss, with strong lyric melodies, chromatic harmonies, and energetic rhythms. While producing film scores, Korngold also composed a number of concert works, among them the Theme and Variations, which is a late work, composed and premiered in 1953. |
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Danse Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, Op. 47 |
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) |
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Samson and Delilah is a grand opera that conveys the familiar Biblical story. The Bacchanale takes place just after Samson has been shorn of his hair, just before the destruction of the Temple of Dagon. The Priests sing softly as they prepare a sacrifice to celebrate the Philistines' victory. The music makes a sensual transformation, announced by the oboe solo, and the priests commence their wild dance. |
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Manchester Symphony Orchestra Personnel |
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Violin I Elizabeth Smith, Concertmaster Yana Bourkova-Morunov Linda Kummernuss Ilona Orban Kristin Westover Pryce Whisenhunt +^ Violin II Joyce Dubach * David Blakely Kaitlin Graber +^ Paula Merriman Nailea Ponce +^ Viola Margaret Sklenar * Gabrielle Hochstetler +^ Emily Mondok Colleen Phillips Cello Robert Lynn * Benjamin Bolduc + Wallace Dubach Monique Hochstetler +^ Bass Darrel Fiene * Katie Allison Piccolo/Flute Kathy Davis * Jennifer Wagner +^ Erika Renbarger + Oboe George Donner * Diane Whitacre |
Clarinet Lila D. Hammer * Mark Huntington Bassoon Erich Zummack * Kendall Brown + Horn Matt Weidner * (co-) Jamie Weidner * (co-) Marcus Haynes Trumpet Josh Ganger * Steve Hammer Manuel Hernandez +^ Trombone Jon Hartman * Alvaro Castillo +^ Kyle Bailey + Tuba Mason Kniola +^ Percussion David Robbins * Lydia Kelly + Quinn Haynes + Mason Kniiola +^ Jonah Lechlitner +^ Piano/Synthesizer (Harp) Pamela Haynes * Denotes principal + Denotes MU student ^ Denotes Keister Scholarship recipient ** Denotes assistant principal |
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Special thanks to MPS Egg Farms for supporting this concert.
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