If you attended the Pop-Up party, you may have heard a little bit about these composers and their pieces from Nan herself. I'm here to sort of be Nan's echo and maybe throw in a few other things here and again...
Here we go, but first, let me set the scene!
PICTURE THIS:
The room is dark, candles are lit, the mood is set. Everyone waits in anxious anticipation to here Nan speak about the upcoming season.....and then,
Nan gets up in front of a room full of Phil Fans with her presentation slides set and ready to go, the title reading MICHIGAN PHILHARMONIC, 73RD SEASON, 2018-2019: THE 20TH NANIVERSARY SEASON.....it's just glistening on the screen and the crowd goes wild.
Nan turns to the audience, with a smile that goes on for MILES. She is ecstatic and it is infectious. I don't think I stopped smiling once and I don't think there was a moment I didn't think "dang, Nan is the coolest." (I even said it out loud to Andrew Brauer, the MPYO Manager, who totally agreed with me).
Here she is introducing us to the Opening Concert line-up. She mentions two fantastic composers, Hector Berlioz and Samuel Barber. Now whether you know them or not, this is still an "ohhh-ahhh" moment. Nan hand-picked these pieces for a reason.....let's learn a wee bit more.
The name Hector Berlioz, might ring a bell for you, but if it doesn't no worries! I am here to save the day!!!!!
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| Hector Berlioz |
Hector Berlioz, the super lax and super handsome devil pictured left, is a 19th Century Romantic Composer who was born on December 11, 1803 in France. He was 1 of 6 kids, but only two others made it into adulthood.
In 1815, right before making his First Holy Communion, Little Hector has his first musical experience. He was called forward by the priest to receive his sacrament. He felt so undeserving to be called up first, but also felt honored that the priest would choose him. Hector recalls hearing several maidens begin to sing, and it filled him with such "mystical and passionate emotion" that he broke down in front of everyone. Never before had he heard something so beautiful. He felt as if the "heavens were opening up" for him." It was an "incomparable beauty that sprang from the heart."
How beautiful is that? He truly has a way with words (and you'll find out a way with music too!)
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| Flageolet |
Later that same year, Hector learns to play the flute, so he just becomes a man of many hats. (Fun Side Fact: Nan also plays the flute...twins!). He composed 2 quintets the following year for the flute and strings. I just want you all to keep in mind that Hector did all of this before he turned 15. Makes you really think about what you did when you were 15.......not that.......but you're still great!! Don't worry!!
He actually went away to Paris to study medicine. It wasn't until 1821, that he discovers Gluck, a composer in his own right. Hector then spent most of his time researching Gluck's scores and even hand-copying them....that's a true fan! How many of you can say you copied the sheet music to your favorite artist's or band's songs?!
Soon after he hears Spontini's music for the first time (another fantastic composer and conductor). It was then that Hector decided to devote himself and his life to music.
He composed many, many pieces over the course in his career and even took up CONDUCTING. Hmmm who else do we know that plays the flute and conducts?! I'll let you sit on that....
Let's talk about the piece really quick that will be featured at the concert:
Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9
It was written in 1844 and first performed in Paris, France. It was intended mainly for concert performance, made up of themes from one of Hector's operas Benevuto Cellini, even featuring music from the opera's carnival scene. Super fun theme, super fun piece....No link attached because you'll just have to come October 5 to find out for yourself how super great it is.
Next up, a man right here from the good ol' U S of A: Mr. Samuel Barber.
Samuel Barber, born in West Chester, PA on March 9, 1903 is considered to be one of the most expressive representatives of the lyric and Romantic trends of the 20th century. And rightfully so, you'll see what I mean:
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| Samuel Barber |
The man pictured to your left learned piano at an early age and began composing soon after. In 1924, he entered the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where, in addition to piano and composition, he studied singing and conducting too. Conducting...? Do you smell that? I smell a trend....
Moving on,
After graduating in 1934, he dedicated his life to composing, even establishing a name for himself. Samuel's overture to The School for Scandal put Sammy on the board.
The man loved to experiment with different sounds and techniques. Samuel wrote his String Quartet that gained extreme popularity in the United States as well as Europe. It was performed under the name Adagio for Strings with the NBC Orchestra performing it, under the direction of Arturo Toscanini.
He wrote many, MANY pieces. So many pieces and not enough time to mention them all. But let's mention one:
Violin Concerto Op. 14
The piece was written in 1939 and contains 3 movements. It was actually written because someone commissioned Samuel to write it. Not that the man didn't put his heart and soul into it, he was just paid upfront to do it.
But alas, another great piece was born and yet another piece you'll have to come hear in person on October 5........
It is obvious to see why Nan chose these two composers...they are so interesting and have so much in common with her!!! (Whether she knew it or not, fate brought them all together)
Just another thing to look forward to on the Phil's opening concert: The 20th Naniversary.
October 5, 2018
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Plymouth
8:00pm
Tickets available NOW at www.michiganphil.org.
Facts courtesy of:
http://www.hberlioz.com/Works/biography.htm
&
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-Barber
#michiganphil #michiganphilharmonic #naniversary #nan #fun #facts #samuelbarber #hectorberlioz #classicalmusic #music #miphil #miphilmyway #philfan
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