Felix Mendelssohn’s best-loved work has to be his radiant Violin Concerto. It is loaded with good tunes. In particular is the finale, a puckish movement full of sparkle and bravado. One of the most significant African-American composers of the 20th century, William Dawson seamlessly wove folksong into works such as the Negro Folk Symphony. Quotes from American spirituals simmer throughout the work, which ends in an explosion of rhythms inspired by the composer’s trip to Africa. Composer Georges Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody is an amazing orchestral showpiece. What makes it so exciting is the ever-increasing tempo, the orchestra gaining speed and momentum in an exhilarating crescendo that ends with a knock-out punch designed to bring an audience to its feet.

These audio program notes include music excerpts.

Masterworks 5 of the 24/25 Season
Performances Jan 11 & 12, 2024