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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.