Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, one of his few non-operatic works, is a symphonic poem composed as a birthday present to his wife after the birth of their son Siegfried in 1869, and first performed as a surprise when she woke. The work incorporates a German lullaby and was itself used in part for the love scene in Wagner's later opera Siegfried.
Joseph Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major was written in 1796, for his long-time friend Anton Weidinger who had reputedly developed a keyed trumpet. Before this, the trumpet was commonly valveless and could only play a limited range of harmonic notes by altering lip pressure. Haydn's concerto exploits to the full the capabilities of the new instrument.
The Adagio for Strings is Samuel Barber's best-known piece, a favourite in films from Amelie to Platoon for its wave-like emotions. There is a rare depth of texture and richness to the melancholy sound, a carpet of strings. Begun in 1936, it has become not only his most popular work but an unofficial American anthem of mourning, played after the deaths of Presidents Roosevelt and Kennedy. The original inspiration of a stream growing to a river gives overall shape to the work: a long arch of building and waning sound.
Mozart wrote his final Symphony No 41 at the height of his short creative life. Music lovers can only wonder what might have been, had he lived to build on the wonders he produced in this symphony. Perhaps more than any other of his symphonies, Mozart expresses an extraordinary breadth of emotion, colours and energy all within the setting of the Classical symphonic form. It has rightly become one of Mozart's most-loved orchestral works.
City of London Sinfonia plays with absolute engagement. Anna Picard, The Independent.
When: Mar 25, 2010 7 PM Where: Central Theatre in Chatham,Medway Cost: £18, £15 (£2 off for groups of 8 or more, subscribers get 3 concerts for the price of 2) Posted by:evdb
Enter the amazing world of Roald Dahl's Goldilocks with the City of London Sinfonia musicians, as they play Kurt Schwertsik's musical setting of the story and other colourful pieces. Our lively family presenter James Redwood will lead us through the wonderland, with parts read by a special guest actor. A musical extravaganza the whole family can take part in.
Get warmed up for the concert with our popular musical activities for the hour before the concert. Create a fairytale soundscape on a variety of percussion instruments or have a go at controlling the mood as a conductor. Plus hands-on craft activities inspired by this favourite children's story.
There will be activites from 3pm. For children aged 5-14; children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The concert lasts for 1 hour without interval.
With grateful thanks to the Foundation for Sport and the Arts and the Fox Memorial Charity.
When: Apr 25, 2010 4 PM Where: Central Theatre in Chatham,Medway Cost: £9.50 (£7.50 for children, £30 for family of 4) Posted by:evdb
City of London Sinfonia performs gems for clarinet and horn.
Ever-popular Michael Collins returns as both soloist and conductor in this programme featuring two very different sides of the clarinet: classical early nineteenth-century virtuosity and twentieth-century jazz.
The first performance of Weber's Clarinet Concerto No 2 in 1811 was greeted with 'frantic applause'. The work remains to this day one of the greatest in the clarinet repertoire. Aaron Copland wrote his Clarinet Concerto for American jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman. He began work on it while travelling in Latin America in 1947 and completed it during his annual sojourn at Tanglewood the following year. The work took shape under the influence of the Brazilian folk music Copland heard during his travels, while the second movement in particular was tailored to fit Goodman's own playing style and skill.
Haydn's Symphony No 22 in E flat major ('Philosopher') is a good example of a work that bridges the late Baroque and early Classical styles. The main musical idea unfolds in the spirit of a chorale; this idea is first intoned by the horns and is answered by the English horns (cor anglais). The incorporation of hunting music into a symphony surely came as a shock to audiences in the 1760s. The 'Philosopher' nichname captured some thing of the work's thoughtful atmosphere.
Symphony No 29 reveals serious and intense qualities from the quiet opening Allegro to the dignified elegance of the Andante and rare energy of the Minuet. Mozart thought sufficiently highly of the work to introduce it when he settled in Vienna.
When: Jun 6, 2010 7 PM Where: Central Theatre in Chatham,Medway Cost: £18, £15 (£2 off for groups of 8 or more, subscribers get 3 concerts for the price of 2) Posted by:evdb
The Town of Chatham is also known as the elbow of the Cape and is located in Barnstable County.
There is so much to do and see in this town. The Chatham Drama Guild and the Creative Arts Center are accessible for all to enjoy. For those more musically in tuned there’s the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival and the Maritime Festival.
Another point of interest is the Isaac Bea Young Gallery as well as Seal Cruises. Whether you’re a child or adult there is something in Chatham for everyone.
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