Hector Berlioz Overture to Les Francs-juges (The Judges of the Secret Court)
Alex Stephenson An Elemental Music (NY premiere) (2022)
Franz Schubert Symphony No. 9 (“The Great”)
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Hector Berlioz’s Overture to the opera Les Francs Juges (1826) is an atmospheric and suspenseful tale about a political prisoner being rescued from a medieval star chamber, conjuring up the mystery and terror of the dark forest with a brooding, austere motif but ending with lyrical melody filled with hope.
In the three movements of An Elemental Music (2022) Alex Stephenson explores basic musical materials—things that are primary, fundamental, or “elemental”—in fresh and unanticipated ways. At times a sharp and fast-paced piece with unique sounds, always with simplicity and directness, it is a journey of experimentation creating a modern interpretation of classical instrumental music.
Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 (“The Great”) (1826) representing the expansive and heroic scale of the Romantic era, is a massive and life-affirming work displaying rhythmic drive, innovative use of brass and "song-like" orchestral textures.
Conducted by Dean Whiteside, Tanya Chanphanitpornkit, and Mark Powell