Category Archives: program notes

Program Notes by Jane Rausch Passion was only one of many traits that characterized 19th century Romantic music. Other attributes associated with this genre include the composers’ preoccupation with fate and their morbid fascination with the Middle Ages that focused … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch For many of us, the December holidays are truly “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” as happy memories and anticipation of the glories of the season rekindle joyful hearts. To assist in this process, … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch Many Americans who grew up in the 1950s will quickly recognize our concert’s theme, “One Hand, One Heart,” as the title of the beautiful duet between two star-crossed teenagers in Leonard Bernstein’s timeless musical, West … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, is usually depicted as having two faces looking opposite ways, one towards the past and other towards the future. The three compositions that we present this afternoon … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch Today’s concert – “You Better Watch Out!” – is the Holyoke Civic Symphony’s gift to you for the holidays. As part of our “Plus One” season, we are presenting a program of beloved classical and … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch Author William Falukner once remarked, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” This observation is surely true in music, for composers frequently draw upon elements of their earlier works or those of others … Continue reading →

PROGRAM NOTES by Jane Rausch As critics have noted, a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 can never be an ordinary event because, with this masterpiece, Beethoven redefined the nature of symphonic ambition and carried to new heights the concept … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch As part of HCS’s 50th anniversary year celebration, today’s concert—“Seeing Double”—suggests that good things often come in pairs. Our program will demonstrate this thesis by featuring two important compositions by Brahms, two virtuoso soloists, and … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch Today’s concert – “A Joyful Sound” – is HCS’ gift to you for the holidays. As part of our 50th anniversary year, we present a program of beloved classical and popular favorites with the added … Continue reading →

Program Notes by Jane Rausch “We’re Golden!” The Holyoke Civic Symphony kicks off its 50th anniversary season with a “People’s Choice Concert.” During the first three concerts of last season orchestra members and patrons were invited to vote for their … Continue reading →