Whenever someone asks me to recommend something as an introduction to the symphonic repertoire, I always encourage them to listen to a variety of works. Just like most things, music isn't one-size-fits-all. Many people think that if you don't like one piece of classical music, then you don't like any of them, but that's not necessarily so! This holds true even for those of us more experienced symphony fans. One day you might discover your least favorite composer actually wrote something you really enjoy.
For example, check this out. Listen to a minute or so of this excerpt from the Variations for Orchestra by Arnold Schoenberg.
Maybe you like it, maybe you don't, but now check out a little of this from the same composer's Transfigured Night.
Bet you had rather different reactions to them. I find it hard to believe the same person wrote them both!
In a nutshell, if you don't like one thing, maybe you'll like another. It's one of the great things about music: its neverending variety. This week's Symphonic Hits concert is a great place to sample some of that variety. We've got one work from the Classical period (Mozart, 1791), one from the early Romantic (Schubert, 1822), one from the late Romantic (Wagner, 1862), and one from the 20th century (Shostakovich, 1960). They cover as much ground emotionally as they do historically, and I think there really is something for everyone.
I'll be discussing all of this music more in depth at this week's Sound Off, but for now, I'll just give you four reasons you should not miss this concert.
First, ISO Principal Clarinet David Bellman will be performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, not on a regular clarinet as is often the case, but on the instrument Mozart wrote it for, the Basset Clarinet. This clarinet allows for lower notes than the modern version, and at Sound Off we'll take a look at the two side-by-side.
Second, the ISO usually performs the great symphonies every couple of years, but this week is your first chance to hear the popular Schubert "Unfinished Symphony" since 1996!
Third, if you haven't heard Shostakovich before, or if you think his symphonies just aren't your thing, you'll want to try this one. At just over 20 minutes, it is one of his most compact, brilliant, and personal works. Shostakovich even spells his name using the notes of the opening melody.
Fourth, if you want to hear some Wagner this weekend, but don't have time for a six hour opera, this is the concert for you! We have a suite from his opera Die Meistersinger which will send the concert off with an explosive conclusion.
Finally, don't forget to come hang out at the after-party Reverb, where you can talk to musicians and get a free glass of wine. Hope to see you there!
For example, check this out. Listen to a minute or so of this excerpt from the Variations for Orchestra by Arnold Schoenberg.
Maybe you like it, maybe you don't, but now check out a little of this from the same composer's Transfigured Night.
Bet you had rather different reactions to them. I find it hard to believe the same person wrote them both!
In a nutshell, if you don't like one thing, maybe you'll like another. It's one of the great things about music: its neverending variety. This week's Symphonic Hits concert is a great place to sample some of that variety. We've got one work from the Classical period (Mozart, 1791), one from the early Romantic (Schubert, 1822), one from the late Romantic (Wagner, 1862), and one from the 20th century (Shostakovich, 1960). They cover as much ground emotionally as they do historically, and I think there really is something for everyone.
I'll be discussing all of this music more in depth at this week's Sound Off, but for now, I'll just give you four reasons you should not miss this concert.
First, ISO Principal Clarinet David Bellman will be performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, not on a regular clarinet as is often the case, but on the instrument Mozart wrote it for, the Basset Clarinet. This clarinet allows for lower notes than the modern version, and at Sound Off we'll take a look at the two side-by-side.
Second, the ISO usually performs the great symphonies every couple of years, but this week is your first chance to hear the popular Schubert "Unfinished Symphony" since 1996!
Third, if you haven't heard Shostakovich before, or if you think his symphonies just aren't your thing, you'll want to try this one. At just over 20 minutes, it is one of his most compact, brilliant, and personal works. Shostakovich even spells his name using the notes of the opening melody.
Fourth, if you want to hear some Wagner this weekend, but don't have time for a six hour opera, this is the concert for you! We have a suite from his opera Die Meistersinger which will send the concert off with an explosive conclusion.
Finally, don't forget to come hang out at the after-party Reverb, where you can talk to musicians and get a free glass of wine. Hope to see you there!
Powered by Compendium
Comments for Symphonic Hits Has Something for Everyone