PROGRAM NOTES
LOUIS LORTIE PLAYS CHOPIN dazzling virtuosic passages . In a step away from tradition , this concerto lacks a solo cadenza . Instead , the piano shines brilliantly throughout the entire piece , relegating the orchestra to a subservient role .
Instrumentation Two flutes , two oboes , two clarinets , two bassoons , four horns , two trumpets , trombone , timpani , and strings .
Robert Schumann
Born June 8 , 1810 in Zwickau , Kingdom of Saxony Died July 29 , 1856 in Rhine Province , Prussia
SYMPHONY NO . 3 IN E-FLAT MAJOR , OP . 97 , “ RHENISH ” [ 1850 ]
Robert Schumann , along with his wife Clara and their seven children , moved to Düsseldorf in the fall of 1850 , after he had accepted a position as music director for the city ’ s orchestra . Situated on the scenic Rhine River , this was to be a welcome change , as Schumann had suffered from ongoing physical and mental breakdowns from which he was never able to fully recover . He was excited to explore conducting as a new career path , and the city welcomed him with much pomp and circumstance . The only downside was their apartment , which was so filled with street noise from below that Schumann felt continually disrupted in his efforts to compose .
After a trip to Cologne to view the imposing cathedral along the Rhine , Schumann began composing his Third Symphony , finishing it within three months . During that time , he returned to Cologne to tour the magnificent cathedral , drawing inspiration for his music from the majestic architecture . The work came to be known as the “ Rhenish ” symphony , named for the Rhine River , its lush surroundings , and the spirit of the people living there .
The opening bars of the first movement ring out in a bold and joyous theme , the surging music as much a force of nature as the Rhine itself . Schumann ’ s regard for Beethoven is evident in this pastoral celebration of the natural world . After the initial statement of the theme , a complex development of the opening material ensues , brilliantly showcasing Schumann ’ s ability to manipulate a musical idea to its fullest .
The scherzo second movement was originally titled “ Morning on the Rhine ,” and depicts
gently rocking water and a lilting folksong-like melody . The slower intermezzo of the third movement features winds and horns in a lyrical melody over string accompaniment , followed by a more pulsing violin line . Though purely instrumental , Schumann ’ s talent for songwriting is evident in each phrase .
Inspired by a bishop ’ s ordination ceremony in the Cologne Cathedral that took place after his visit there , the fourth movement was initially titled , “ In the character of the accompaniment to a solemn ceremony .” Haunting and exquisite , this movement recalls the contrapuntal lines of music from the medieval era , when construction on the cathedral first began . The church would remain unfinished until the 1840s , when the city completed the building according to the original plans . The addition of trombones , silent until now , adds to the somber texture and depth of the fanfare — a musical reflection of the cathedral ’ s ancient architecture . The finale brings back the excitement and energy of the opening movement and a rhythmic propulsion and clarity of sound drive the symphony to a rousing conclusion .
The idyll of Schumann ’ s time in Düsseldorf was short lived . His lack of talent as a conductor and the pressures of composing bore down on his already frail spirit . In 1854 , sick and hallucinating , Schumann jumped into the Rhine , attempting suicide in his once beloved river . He was unable to recover from this episode and died two years later while confined in an asylum .
Instrumentation Two flutes , two oboes , two clarinets , two bassoons , four horns , two trumpets , three trombones , timpani , and strings .
Musical Terms Overture : An orchestral introduction to an extended work , such as an opera or ballet . Syncopations : The act of displacing beats or accents so that strong beats become weak and vice versa . Cadenza : a virtuoso solo passage inserted into a movement in a concerto or other work , typically near the end . Scherzo : Translates to “ a joke .” The scherzo is often the fast , third movement of a larger work , followed by a more gentle section called the trio . The scherzo is then repeated . Fanfare : A short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments , typically to introduce something or someone important .
Maximilian Franz
JAN-FEB 2023 / OVERTURE 15