Concerts
The Apostles
England’s greatest composer since Purcell wrote a magnificent but rarely-heard setting of the New Testament. Elgar’s The Apostles follows the story of the Twelve through the Resurrection. On a par with his previous choral work, The Dream of Gerontius, this oratorio is at once sublime and heartbreakingly human. Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the…
Read MorePrague Central: Great 20th Century Czech Composers
Though right in the center of the group of countries that defined the western musical tradition, Czech composers often felt like outsiders looking in. Perhaps it was this strange perspective that led to these four composers producing what has been thought to be some of the most original and influential works of the early 20th…
Read MoreBernstein and the Bostonians
This concert pays tribute to a group of composers known as the “Boston School” who lived, studied, taught, and composed in and around that city. This group of friends, of whom Leonard Bernstein was the most prominent, were almost all associated with the early years of Brandeis University and had close ties to Aaron Copland.…
Read MoreTroubled Days of Peace
Two one-act operas with strikingly different reactions to tyranny. The Dictator (1928) explores the rise of a charismatic fascist leader, based loosely on Mussolini. Day of Peace (1938) remains controversial for its ambiguous sentiments towards the Nazis; it did not meet with favor by the regime. Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in…
Read MoreA Mass of Life
Delius was a fervid follower of Nietzsche, and here he set passages from the philosopher’s poem Also sprach Zarathustra to music, creating a grand and compelling work celebrating life at its highest. Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in a lively 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Free…
Read MoreGiant in the Shadows
The reputation of Max Reger today belies his dominant presence in music during his lifetime and the legacy he left. Here we celebrate two of his works, and one by his friend and contemporary, Adolf Busch. Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in a lively 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM in…
Read MoreRussia’s Jewish Composers
These Russian Jews exploded ethnic stereotypes by refusing to be known only as Jewish composers. These works identified them more with the nation in which they lived than with their ethnicity. Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in a lively 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Free for…
Read MoreMimesis: Musical Representations
Art, poetry, philosophy, and even the stars—as represented in music. Van Gogh, Nietzsche, Paul Klee, and others inspired these works. Leon Botstein shares the stories behind the music in a lively 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. Free for all ticket holders. GUNTHER SCHULLER 7 Studies on Themes of…
Read MoreAmerican Variations: Perle at 100
Friday, May 29, 2015 Conductor’s Notes Q&A at 7 PM Concert 8 PM—10:05 PM Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage) PROGRAM George Perle – Adagio William Schuman – New England Triptych Aaron Copland – Orchestral Variations George Perle – Transcendental Modulations Lukas Foss – Baroque Variations ARTISTS Leon Botstein, conductor All artists subject to change. CONCERT…
Read MoreJanáček’s Sinfonietta
Originally titled the “Military Sinfonietta” and dedicated “to the Czechoslovak Armed Forces,” this brassy fanfare depicts scenes from Janáček’s home city of Brno following the announcement of Czech independence. Leon Botstein and the ASO tell you the story of its creation, perform the work, and answer audience questions.
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