Concert Previews (Spoof)

Schubert: Symphony # 7,#8, or #9
This work was originally published at Symphony # 7, renumbered to #8, then finally #9.

Poor ol' Schu couldn't afford to have it performed, so he sent it to the Music Association in Vienna along with a dedication. They sent him a small payment, arranged for copying of the parts, and mounted an unofficial play through. It was decided the work was too long and too difficult for the amateur orchestra of the conservatory.

Schumann, not Schubert, hailed the symphony for it's 'heavenly length'. Legend claims, during rehearsal of the first movement, one musician asked another if he had managed to hear a tune yet. Yet Schumann thought it was the greatest instrumental work since the death of Beethoven.

On his deathbed, Beethoven is said to have looked into some of the younger man's works and exclaimed, 'Truly, the spark of divine genius resides in this Schubert.'

On Schubert's deathbed, the last musical work he wished to hear was Beethoven's String Quartet #14. It is only fitting Schubert was buried next to Beethoven.

Many of Schubert's works were found after his death, hidden in cabinets and file boxes of his family and friends. Schumann found this particular symphony and brought it to light. Mendelssohn performed it to great acclaim. In the fall of 1867, Arthur Sullivan (as in G & S) rescued several symphonies, the Rosamunde, some masses and operas, and chamber music. Hence the numbering confusion for Symphony # 7 or #8 or #9.

Most agree this is considered Schubert's finest piece for orchestra and one of his most innovative pieces, particularly advancing Beethoven's use of trombones in the orchestra.

Ever notice all the great composers (except Haydn) croaked after writing their 9th symphony? Should we warn our composer-in-residence?

Jim O'Leary: Softly at Night the Stars are Shining
Jim O'Leary is our composer-in-residence. This sounds like we take in strays, but it is actually a really big deal. Jim has a Masters in composition from Cambridge and is presently earning his PhD at Queens. Long way from Newfoundland where he started playing percussion in his teens and then came to UPEI for his Bachelor of Music degree.

Over the next two seasons, Jim will write music for the PEI Symphony and we will play the world premieres. This particular work is for everybody but violins and violas. I am trying not to take it personally.

I must apologize to the regulars, it must get so boring reading yet again of another internally renowned doctor of music coming to solo with the PEISO. But here we have Helen Pridmore to sing in the O'Leary. Judging from her pix, she looks pretty darn funky for a university prof.

Bach: Selections from 18 Figured Chorales

I dunno, some organ pieces Bach wrote that some dude arranged for orchestra. Like Bach didn't know what he was doing. Come to think of it, pipe organ might just sound better played by an orchestra.

The dude who doodied up bachie boy is John Beckwith who studied in TO and Paris, and was Dean of Music at U of T. His transcriptions of the Bach were premiered by Symphony Nova Scotia.

Schumann recalled Mendelssohn confessing after a performance of the original chorales, "If life were to deprive me of hope and faith, this single chorale would replenish me with them both." Unfortunately, we aren't playing that particular one.

I, for one, cannot wait to hear them. There is nothing so perfect and pure as Bach.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Easter Festival Overture
The tunes in the overture are largely from the Russian Orthodox liturgy, based on a collection of old Russian Orthodox liturgical chant called the Obikhod. You can tell I did not write that sentence because there is actual information in it.

In his autobiography, the composer says he was eager to reproduce both the religious and heathen aspects of the holiday. I suppose I represent the latter, calling Easter Saviour-on-a-Stick Day.

A feature of this work is the use of solo violin to separate some of the sections, and to represent the light shining from the Holy Sepulchre. Whatever that is. This will be played by our concertmaster who, fittingly enough, is an ordained minister.

Rimsky-Korsakov does indeed take the listener through the solemnity of death to joyous rebirth. Hell, it even sounds like fiddling! Ya can't get happier than that. Glad we warmed up with Kendra MacGillvray last concert.

Written by Margo Connors
PEISO Violinist and Board Member

Pop Quiz
Please answer either of the following:

1) I go to the symphony because:
     a) I recognize some of the pieces and Dr Mark is really cute
     b) We should have culture and I don't like yogurt
     c) I love expanding my soul with the arts on a Sunday afternoon
     d) The arts should be supported, it is the sign of civilized society
     e) The symphony is so exciting and so relaxing
     f) Other, please elaborate

2) I do NOT go to the symphony because:
     a) Classical music is dead dude's music played by old people
     b) Who needs that crap, people are starving in this world
     c) It is hard to get out of the house on a Sunday afternoon
     d) It is way too friggin' expensive, why isn't it free?
     e) I am scared i will fall asleep since I suck my thumb and sleep in the buff
     f) Other, say what for

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