Masterworks I

This is a program with a "Russian-American" theme. Rimsky, Bernstein and Rachmaninoff are sharply contrasting in music style that will surely catch your attention constantly. But they are also tied together by a strong sense of romanticism in either music style or story line. The combination of music heard at Saturday’s concert certainly will help you to find a wonderful emotional balance amid the highs and lows of each work performed.

 The opening "Russian Easter Festival Overture" by Rimsky is unmistakably "Russian" based on a collection of old Russian Orthodox Canticles. Like a Hymn, the opening of this the piece, describers the solemnity and mystery on the evening of Passover Saturday. It is soon interrupted by the stormy full orchestra celebration for the Easter Sunday Morning which brings you to a rousing and bright mood.

The most ambitious melodic and orchestral writing Bernstein ever attempted for a musical is in "West Side Story”, a variation on “Romeo and Juliet" theme. The Symphonic Dances for the large orchestra was arranged by the composer in 1961 which included some most popular tunes and dances from the show such as:   "Some where","Mambo",Cha-Cha (Maria)",Cool" and "Rumble". You can certainly tap your feet during the concert with its restless rhythm, and find your own emotional oasis between the rapid release of energy and the lonely calm that follows.

Regarded as one of the most difficult concertos in the entire standard piano repertoire, Rachmaninoff Piano Concert No. 3 is actually started with a rather quiet and easy going Russian pastoral-like folk tune. This 40 plus minutes long gigantic work was built like the land of Russia: broad, seemingly endless, unpredictable and full of clouds and storms. It is majestic, energetic and full of beautiful melodies. Rachmaninoff composed it for his New York City piano debut in 1909. It brought the NY audience to their feet. And I can't wait to see what Gleb Ivanov - "eerily like the ghost of Horowitz”, will create for you on the evening of coming Saturday.

- Best Regards, Maestro Tsung Yeh

Location:
Morris Performing Arts Center
(574) 235-9190