THE COLOR OF MUSIC
The Berlin Philharmonic is the greatest orchestra in the world. Now that’s a pretty big statement especially given our musical neighbors to the north and south, but in this free country, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and that is mine. And by way, I’m right.
My partners and I feel honored and privileged to present the members of this prestigious orchestra here at Mountain Laurel, especially in this intimate environment.
The Berlin Philharmonic was founded in 1882. In their early days some of the most important names in music have conducted them including Hans Von Bulow, Brahms, Greig, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and the legendary Wilhelm Furtwangler. Peter Tchaikovsky, a frequent guest said, “The splendid Philharmonic possesses a special quality for which I can find no more appropriate expression than elasticity. They are a self-governing body, they play for their own benefit and not for an entrepreneur who takes the lion’s share of the profits.”
Given the glorious artists whom we have today, I thought I would explore the different colors found in an orchestra. I’m constantly asked why a particular instrument plays a particular passage and how does the composer know when to use a French horn instead of a clarinet? This morning I plan to answer some of these questions as well as explain the delicate balance that makes up Chamber Music.
As this is the most important orchestra in the world, I thought I would discuss and explain Sonata Allegro form, arguably the most important form in Classical Music. I’ll discuss the themes and development of Dohnanyi’s Sextet in C Major. Dohnanyi is a composer I wasn’t too familiar with but when I heard Ittai Shapira and Concertante (who will be appearing here at our next concerts) play his Quintet at Merkin Hall, I became his newest fan.
We are also continuing are commitment to contemporary music. Although Alban Berg won’t be with us today (because he’s dead!) I wanted to explore into his wonderful pieces for Clarinet and Piano. Berg is one of the first composers labelled as a “modern composer.” But as far as I’m concerned he’s just as romantic and accessible as Puccini.
Once again, I’m overjoyed that our audiences have been so enthusiastic. It continues to be a great pleasure for me to share with you some of the joys of this wonderful music. Sit back and come with me to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I wish we were serving schlag.
Glen Roven
