Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Wagner
Program
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770–1827)
Overture to Fidelio Op.72
Beethoven wrote a total of four overtures to his sole opera, the overture being performed this evening is the final one written of the four. The opera’s protagonist is a woman who, disguised as a man, Fidelio, rescues her husband from political imprisonment. Unlike the other three versions, this version uses more unique musical ideas from its predecessors and is a compact, energetic piece that serves as a brilliant opener to the concert.
Pyoty Ilyich Tchaikovsky
(1840–1893)
Piano Concerto no.1 in B flat minor Op.23
I.
Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Darren Lee,
Piano
One of the most famous and frequently performed piano concertos, it is known for its luscious melodies, stormy climaxes, and virtuosic piano part. The orchestra and pianist work together to tell a story that is at
times light-hearted and capricious, at times reflective and melancholy, and at other times passionate and almost barbaric. The first movement being performed this evening is in a sense, a complete work of its own in an introductory flourish with a majestic sounding melody followed by many contrasting themes and episodes of great beauty that have stood the test of time. Long passages for solo piano are scattered throughout to contrast with the sonorous orchestral sounds. The movement closes with great assurance and authority with both the soloist and orchestra concluding on a series of resolute chords, signalling a feeling of conquest and triumph.
times light-hearted and capricious, at times reflective and melancholy, and at other times passionate and almost barbaric. The first movement being performed this evening is in a sense, a complete work of its own in an introductory flourish with a majestic sounding melody followed by many contrasting themes and episodes of great beauty that have stood the test of time. Long passages for solo piano are scattered throughout to contrast with the sonorous orchestral sounds. The movement closes with great assurance and authority with both the soloist and orchestra concluding on a series of resolute chords, signalling a feeling of conquest and triumph.
— Intermission (20 minutes) —
Richard Wagner
(1813–1883)
Siegfried Idyll
This symphonic poem was composed as a birthday present to his second wife, Cosima (Franz Liszt’s daughter), after the birth of their son Siegfried. It was first performed on Christmas morning in 1870 by
a small orchestral ensemble (originally written for 13 players but later expanded to 35 players) on the stairs of their villa in what is modern-day Lucerne, Switzerland. Cosima awoke to its opening melody. The original title of the piece makes reference to birdsong and sunrise and likely refers to moments of personal significance to the couple. There is also reference to the German lullaby ‘Sleep, baby, sleep’. In contrast
to much of Wagner’s other music, Siegfried Idyll reflects a gentle, tender side of him and is arguably his most beloved orchestral work.
a small orchestral ensemble (originally written for 13 players but later expanded to 35 players) on the stairs of their villa in what is modern-day Lucerne, Switzerland. Cosima awoke to its opening melody. The original title of the piece makes reference to birdsong and sunrise and likely refers to moments of personal significance to the couple. There is also reference to the German lullaby ‘Sleep, baby, sleep’. In contrast
to much of Wagner’s other music, Siegfried Idyll reflects a gentle, tender side of him and is arguably his most beloved orchestral work.
Venue
Calvin Presbyterian Church
26 Delisle Avenue, Toronto, Ontario