Overture Magazine - 2018-19 Season BSO_Overture_NOV_DEC | Page 17

one of Mendelssohn’s most frequently performed scores. Its first movement rises from the low strings in a solemn layering of instrumental entrances that Silber calls “a brilliant orchestral evocation of Renaissance polyphony.” Last to enter are the violins, softly singing the traditional Protestant “Dresden Amen.” Wind fanfares accentuate the ceremonial mood. A bold and militant ascending theme introduces the Allegro main section; marked con fuoco — “with fire” — it seems a musical portrait of the pugnacious Luther and the fierce struggle between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century. Fanfares drive the middle development section, which grows steadily in volume and turbulence. The violins then softly repeat the “Dresden Amen,” and Luther’s fiery theme returns, now subdued and almost gentle. The two middle movements are lyrical interludes, contrasting with the heroic outer movements. First comes the scherzo, a robust German folk dance emphasizing crisp rhythms and including a wonderfully outdoorsy (with trilling woodwind birds) trio section in the middle. Movement three is a lovely song without words for the first violins with discreet orchestral accompaniment. This leads without pause into the finale with a solo flute chastely singing Luther’s great hymn “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott” — “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Gradually, other instruments join in, swelling the majesty of the chorale. Phrases of the chorale in different instruments over a galloping rhythm lead to the Allegro maestoso of a movement Silber calls “a hybrid of sonata form and chorale variations.” Throughout, elaborate fugal passages recall another great Lutheran musician, J. S. Bach. A grandly stretched-out reprise of “A Mighty Fortress” by the full orchestra makes a splendidly triumphant conclusion. Instrumentation: Two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, contrabassoon, two horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani and strings. Notes by Janet E. Bedell, © 201 8 ™ Call for Current Availability! A Lifestyle of Freedom and Peaceful Enjoyment • 94 acre beautifully scenic campus • Stimulating social activities • Single story Garden Homes • Exceptional dining venues • New Hillside Homes (coming in 2020, • Fitness, aquatic & wellness programs subject to the approval of the MDOA) • Pet friendly campus and more Now offering Life Care and Fee for Service residency options For more information call 443.578.8008 or visit broadmead.org 13801 York Road • Cockeysville, MD 21030 TTY/Voice - Maryland Relay Service 1.800.201.7165 A Quaker guided, not-for-profit retirement community LIVE MUSIC We all have passion. And passion springs from inspiration, which begins with your surroundings. That’s what home is. Family. Friends. A sense of place. An amazing view. It’s what makes a space a home – because your home is where you truly LIVE. Your best life begins with a home that inspires. MH Mark Huang REALTOR®/BSO BASSIST [email protected] c. 443.801.5011 o. 443.746.2088 Each Offi ce is Independently Owned and Operated. N OV– D EC 2018 / OV E R T U R E 15