Download Out of This World May 9, 2015- Program Notes

Out of This World
May 9, 2015- Program Notes
Program Notes by JoDee McCartney
Inspired by the vast possibilities of space, the stars and heavens above, the works in this concert range
from the exploratory to celebratory. Gazing upward, into the limitless possibilities of the beyond, it is no
surprise that composers have long drawn on celestial inspiration.
R. Strauss (1864-1949): Also Sprach Zarathustra, “Sunrise”
The opening “Sunrise” movement of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra is
immediately recognizable, having first appeared in the epic movie of space
exploration, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Composed in 1896 as part of his works in
symphonic poetry, this collection also included four other tone poems, written
over a nine-year period.
Kevin Lau (1982- ): Voices of Time: A Portrait of Lake Moraine
A prolific contemporary composer, Kevin Lau has written music for many
films, including a History Channel documentary, UFOs: A Secret History.
He’s known for his creative storytelling and his ability to express deep
emotions through his music. His interests in space nearly put him on an
Astrophysics career path, choosing to pursue music out of his dream “to
have my music performed by an orchestra.”
Arranged by Calvin Custer: Star Trek Through the Ages
Legions of TV fans are familiar with the brass and percussive notes of Custer’s music which transported
audiences to “the final frontier” with the crew of The Enterprise. Custer was an accomplished conductor
and the brass and percussive notes will ring familiar to legions of television fans. An accomplished
conductor and musician, long associated with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Custer’s proliferation
of orchestral arrangements have been performed throughout the world.
Holst (1874-1934): The Planets
1. Mars, the Bringer of War
4. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
2. Venus, the Bringer of Peace
Holst drew inspirations from a wide ranging sources, including folk songs,
Sanskrit literature, poetry and astrology. The Planets is a suite of seven
movements composed between 1914 and 1916 that echo his interests in what
lies above.
“Mars, The Bringer of War,” is a stark and pounding musical reflection of the
cold inhumanity of war. Emotionless and somewhat jarring, the same five beats
are hammered out, in mechanical and isolating notes, meant to reflect the
harshness of the recently ended World War I.
“Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity,” bounds forth in exuberant and joyous notes. It is a symphony in the
traditional English folk dance style. Its themes have become the setting for a patriotic hymn with the
words, “I vow to thee my country.”
“Venus, The Bringer of Peace,” is in direct contrast to “Mars,” featuring lilting flutes, woodwinds, and
harps. It is layered and complex, serene and delicate, with depth and texture, ushered in by a haunting
solo horn and rounded out with calming solos throughout.
Mozart (1756-1791): Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K552, “Jupiter”
1. Allegro Vivace
Described as “a pile-up of musical lines, a proliferation of colors,” the “Jupiter”
symphony is the last of three works written in a burst of creativity over the
summer of 1788. Arguably one of Mozarts’ finest symphonic achievements, the
symphony is a sweeping work in the Classical style, exploding magnificently in
early fanfares and flourishes. It transitions to a dramatic Baroque, before turning
more anxious and brooding, culminating in a zesty and dynamic five-voice fugato.
John Williams: Suite from Star Wars
“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” scrolls across the screen as
Williams’ immensely popular score to “Star Wars,” begins. An American
composer, he garnered career-high awards and acclaim for his 1977-2005 scores
to all six of George Lucas’ epic vision of the battle between good and evil amid
starry landscapes and mythical planets. His powerful and soaring melodies are
some of the most important contributions to modern film music and a tapestry
of winds, brass and strings.