Category Archives: program notes

A symphony is a large-scale, multi-movement, non-programmatic orchestral work. Nothing in that sentence is true. Since its origins in the 18th century, there have have been plenty of short symphonies, single-movement symphonies, and symphonies which tell stories or articulate philosophical … Continue reading →

For nearly 100 years musical plays performed on Broadway and in Hollywood films have been enchanting theater-goers. The orchestra opens its “Wicked Good” holiday concert by saluting some of the most memorable productions belonging to a genre that critics have … Continue reading →

Composer James Barry (b. 1969) describes his music as “drawn from a unique amalgam of high and low art.” His early influences include playing in and writing songs for metal, rock and punk bands, followed by rigorous academic compositional training. … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Robert Simon At intervals through most of his career, and with reasonable success, Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote music for the stage. Among such works were his single opera, Fidelio, and a ballet, The Creatures of Prometheus. Added to … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Robert Simon In the spring of 1938 Alexander Richter, then head of the music department at New York City’s High School of Music and Art, approached Aaron Copland (1900-90) about writing a short piece for the school … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Robert Simon Jerry Noble, a long-admired friend, kindly sent me the following notes on his Marching In which opens today’s program, and which I’m very pleased to quote verbatim: For 15 years I’ve had the privilege and … Continue reading →

SHENANDOAH PROGRAM NOTES by David Kidwell Shenandoah is an area of western Virginia which encompasses the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian chain) and the Shenandoah Valley. The name is of Native American origin, said to mean “River of … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Robert Simon First off, the Engelbert Humperdinck (1854–1921) on today’s program should not be confused with Engelbert Humperdinck (b.1936), an English pop singer who became very popular during the 1960s, 1970s and beyond, following his legal name … Continue reading →