NEC Chamber Orchestra: Haydn, Stravinsky, Rózsa

Franz Joseph Haydn | Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Hob. 1/6 "Le Matin"

Adagio - Allegro
Adagio - Andante
Menuet
Finale: Allegro

Program note

Nicknamed Le Matin, Franz Joseph Haydn’s Sixth Symphony was his first work for Prince Paul II Anton Ezterházy back in 1761. Drawing on inspiration from the concerto grosso structure, Haydn’s Sixth showcases a range of soloists in each movement, including some rare soloists such as the double bass and bassoon. It is speculated that the reason for this was to please his new employer by making reference to some popular traditions, but then making them uniquely his own. The nickname, which did not originate from the composer but was happily adopted, comes from the slow introduction of the opening movement which is said to represent a sunrise. Grouped with the Seventh and Eighth symphonies in this ‘series’, the nicknames spread to noon and evening for the rest of the trio. 

Igor Stravinsky | Concerto in D Major, "Basel Concerto"

Vivace
Arioso: Andantino
Rondo: Allegro

Program note

Igor Stravinsky’s Concerto in D Major (“Basel Concerto”) was commissioned in 1946 to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Basler Kammerorchester. Paul Sacher, with his chamber orchestra, was responsible for commissioning and premiering important works over the course of twentieth century by composers including, to name a few: Bartók, Strauss, Henze, Honegger, Martin, Martinů, Hindemith, Carter, Lutoslawski and Dutilleux. To distinguish this work it form Stravinsky’s earlier Concerto in D (the violin concerto), it is often given the title “Basler.” It is a bright, accessible work of great rhythmic vitality, and harmonic richness, with the interval of the minor second cleverly dictating the harmonic and melodic content of all three movements. A ballet version, The Cage, was choreographed by Jerome Robbins for the New York City Ballet in 1951.

INTERMISSION

Miklós Rózsa | Concerto for Strings, op. 17

Moderato, ma risoluto ed energico
Lento con gran espressione
Allegro giusto

Program note

Hungarian-American composer, Miklós Rózsa was best known for composing over one hundred film scores including three Academy Award winning scores for Spellbound, Ben-Hur, and A Double Life. Rozsa described his own creative life as “a double life”, composing concert music alongside his many obligations to the Hollywood studios. His violin concerto was commissioned by Heifetz, the Sinfonia Concertante by Piatigorsky, the Cello Concerto by János Starker and the Viola Concerto by Pinchas Zukerman.
        The Concerto for Strings was composed in Hollywood in 1943. The music harkens back to his Hungarian roots with echoes of Bartók and Kodály.

NEC Chamber Orchestra