Class 4: The Wrap Party
It’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work and commitment these last four weeks. In the last class, you’ll be treated to a private performance by California Symphony musicians. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll hear in Class 4: The Wrap Party.
BRAHMS – SYMPHONY NO. 1
Brahms’ first symphony took him 21 years to complete. Check it out below with a performance by the Orchestra of Paris.
BRAHMS – SYMPHONY NO. 3
The shortest of Brahms’ four symphonies, Symphony No. 3 has been proclaimed to be Brahms’ Eroica, a reference to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 which you heard in the previous class.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhB_umc9F84
BRAHMS – HUNGARIAN DANCES
The Hungarian Dances, of which there are 21 lively dance tunes, are based mostly on Hungarian folk tunes. These were some of Brahms’ more popular works, and were influential in the development of ragtime. The first known recording of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 1 is from 1889 and had a spoken introduction which many believe is Brahms introducing himself before beginning to play. Listen to a modern recording of the very same piece below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEK_QSjWpcs
BRAHMS – DOUBLE CONCERTO
This concerto features two soloists, a violinist and a cellist. For BRAHMS FEST, our performers will be Alina Kobialka and Oliver Herbert. Below, listen to Anne-Sophie Mutter and Maximilian Hornung play with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra.
REICH – MUSIC FOR 18 INSTRUMENTS
Moving into the modern minimalism, Steve Reich was one of the pioneers of minimalist orchestral music. Here, listen to him play piano in his composition Music for 18 Instruments. He’s the one wearing a baseball cap. Unlike the composers we’ve heard previously, Steve Reich is still alive and composing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRQw85LdRbI
The California Symphony presents FRESH LOOK: THE SYMPHONY EXPOSED at the Walnut Creek Library in Walnut Creek starting on Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25 for the full 4 classes, which is later redeemable for any first purchase of an adult-priced concert ticket in the 19/20 season.
