Composed in in 1942 as part of the Ballet “Rodeo”, this movement (Hoedown) is a quintessential example of the joy, verve, and vibrancy of the American spirit at its very best. Quoting the folk tunes “Bonaparte’s Retreat” and “McLeod’s Reel” in his enthusiastic melody, Copland redefined the idea of an American style of classical music, and gives the listener an exciting glimpse into a scene from the American West.

Originally commissioned as incidental music for Henrik Ibsen’s play, Grieg created two orchestral suites from various movements of the work over a decade after it’s successful debut in 1876. The first suite enjoyed more commercial success initially and has since become some of the most widely recognized music from the era. The first movement strives to capture the scene of a beautiful Moroccan morning as Peer whittles a flute and plays a tune. This is followed by a sad, slow dirge in the second movement that accompanies Peer’s return home to his Mother, Åse’s deathbed. The third movement returns the action to Morocco, where Peer is mistakenly identified as a prophet by a local tribe of desert nomads and ends up witnessing the seductive dance of the chieftain’s daughter Anitra. The final movement takes us to the Hall of the Mountain King, where Peer has been captured by trolls. He upsets the King by refusing to marry his daughter and become a troll, and must make a hasty escape.

In one of the great mysteries of music history, Franz Schubert began writing a symphony in 1822 but never completed the work. Just two movements (and a piano sketch of a third) were found amongst Schubert’s papers in the study of a friend in the 1860’s. Scholars have tried to ascertain why the composer left the work unfinished, positing theories that range from Schubert’s dissatisfaction with the meter choice of the completed movements to the beginning of his terminal battle with Syphilis. Some have even tried to use additional sketches from the composer to “finish” the work, but the true reason for the work’s incomplete nature is most likely lost to the ages.

Be sure to join Remind below for any updates or changes to this schedule.

Follow the link below to join our Remind group. This will allow you to stay up to date on rehearsal requirements, changes, etc.