An exploration of the rich tapestry of American music, embodying the flow of creativity that has shaped our nation’s cultural identity. Through the works of both iconic and contemporary composers, this program captures the diverse rhythms, stories, and emotions that make up the American experience.
Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
Opening our program is Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, a brief yet powerful tribute to the resilience and spirit of everyday Americans. Written in 1942 during a time of global uncertainty, this piece reflects the strength and hope of a nation united in purpose. With its bold brass and percussion, Copland’s fanfare sets a tone of dignity and grandeur, celebrating the contributions of all citizens to the American story.
Samuel Barber: Second Essay for Orchestra
Barber’s Second Essay continues the evening with a narrative structure that flows like a compelling tale, rich with emotional depth. Composed in 1942, this work captures the complexity of American life during World War II. The music transitions seamlessly through moments of tension, reflection, and resolve, offering a sonic journey that, like the Copland - but in a very different way - mirrors the resilience and determination of the American people.
Charles Ives: The Unanswered Question
Ives’ The Unanswered Question presents a contemplative moment in our program. This piece, composed in 1908, poses a musical question that is left unresolved, echoing the existential queries that have shaped American thought. With its ethereal strings and distant trumpet calls, Ives creates a space for reflection, where the flow of music becomes a metaphor for the ongoing search for meaning in an ever-changing world.
Jimi Hendrix/arr. Daniel Schnyder: Purple Haze
The flow of American music takes a bold turn with Purple Haze, an iconic rock anthem by Jimi Hendrix, reimagined for strings by Daniel Schnyder. This arrangement brings a new dimension to Hendrix's groundbreaking work, highlighting the fusion of classical and popular traditions. The piece embodies a rebellious, resolute spirit of freedom and the breaking of boundaries - one possible response to Ives' question maybe?
Duke Ellington/arr. Daniel Schnyder: In a Sentimental Mood
A more gentle response might be Duke Ellington’s In a Sentimental Mood. This piece, with its lush harmonies and smooth melodies, captures the elegance and sophistication of the American jazz tradition. ESYO Youth Jazz Orchestra member Teresa Rodrigues joins the orchestra on alto saxophone, adding a lyrical flow to Ellington’s timeless tune, reminding us of the enduring beauty of American creativity.
Intermission
Nina Shekhar: Lumina
The second half of our program begins with Nina Shekhar’s Lumina, a work that embodies the vibrant energy of contemporary American composition. Shekhar’s music is characterized by its dynamic flow and innovative textures, reflecting the diverse voices that make up the modern American soundscape. Shekhar writes: "Lumina explores the spectrum of light and dark and the murkiness in between. Using swift contrasts between bright, sharp timbres and cloudy textures and dense harmonies, the piece captures sudden bursts of radiance amongst the eeriness of shadows."
Horace Silver/arr. Daniel Schnyder: Peace
Horace Silver’s Peace, arranged by Daniel Schnyder, brings a moment of calm introspection. This soulful piece, again featuring Teresa Rodrigues on alto saxophone, speaks to the longing for harmony and understanding within America and beyond.
George Gershwin/arr. Daniel Schnyder: Summertime
Gershwin’s Summertime, a quintessential American classic, is reinterpreted in another arrangement by Daniel Schnyder, one last time with Teresa Rodrigues on alto saxophone. This piece captures the lazy, warm flow of a summer’s day, evoking images of America’s Southern landscapes and the blending of cultural traditions that make American music so rich.
Aaron Copland: Rodeo Suite: Hoe Down
We conclude with the lively Hoe Down from Copland’s Rodeo Suite. This piece, with its infectious rhythms and spirited energy, encapsulates the pioneering spirit of America. Copland’s music flows with the vitality of the American frontier, bringing our musical journey full circle as we celebrate the dynamic and diverse landscape of American music.
Encore Notes: A Finale of Hope and Joy
As this concert draws to a close, we extend our musical journey with two encores that encapsulate the essence of America, as portrayed through the lens of one of the country's most beloved composers, Leonard Bernstein.
Leonard Bernstein: Mambo from West Side Story
The energy of tonight’s program bursts forth in Bernstein’s Mambo from West Side Story. This piece, with its infectious Latin rhythms and exuberant spirit, is a celebration of the vibrant cultural mosaic that defines America. The driving rhythms and lively melodies create a whirlwind of sound that captures the dynamic flow of life in a bustling urban landscape. As a reflection of the diversity and vitality that have been central to the American experience, Mambo is a fitting continuation of the evening's exploration of the country's musical landscape.
Leonard Bernstein: Somewhere from West Side Story
We end with a moment of reflection and hope, as we perform Bernstein’s Somewhere from West Side Story. This piece, with its poignant melody and message of longing, speaks to the universal human desire for peace and unity. As the final note of our program, Somewhere offers a vision of hope—echoing the dreams and aspirations that flow through the American consciousness. It reminds us that, even in times of struggle and division, there is always the possibility of finding a place where harmony and understanding can prevail.
These encores serve as the perfect conclusion to our musical journey, leaving us with a sense of joy, reflection, and optimism for the future. Thank you for being part of this celebration of America in music.
