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The music returns for 27th season
  
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By GLORIA WALKER SMITH
“It’s so good to see you back where you belong!”
I know … that’s “Hello, Dolly,” but the sentiment’s the same when area music lovers greet the opening concert of the 27th season for the Pasadena Philharmonic Orchestra.
When Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, the orchestra was invited to perform in the equally beautiful sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church. Conductor Frank “Bud” Woodruff explained that the group had missed about three weeks of practice because of the storm and its varied effects, so the program content was changed somewhat. The change certainly did not diminish the enjoyment of the crowd. If anything, the choices were lighter, livelier and more upbeat.
As always, the event opens with a welcome from the society president; this year it’s Givvie Searcy. She introduced the host, Pastor Dean Pogue of First Presbyterian, who graciously expressed appreciation to the orchestra for holding the concert there.
Every concert by the Philharmonic begins with “The Star Spangled Banner,” with the crowd standing — it’s a respectful tradition and we have far too little of it.
Although the concert program listed Leroy Anderson’s “Fiddle Faddle” as the closing number, Woodruff announced that it would be first. As a frolicking tribute to composer Leroy Anderson, longtime arranger for the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops Orchestra and prolific writer of familiar “fun” music, on the anniversary of his 100th birthday. “Fiddle Faddle” is a toe-tapping, pleasing combo of strings being “bowed” and plucked.
Samples of Anderson’s collection of popular favorites are “Sleigh Ride,” “The Typewriter” and “Syncopated Clock.” The son of Swedish immigrants, he was fluent in nine languages, which made him invaluable as a member of the U.S. Army in WWII and the Korean War. He was recognized by the entertainment industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The orchestra then launched into “Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major,” composed by Franz Joseph Haydn. Adding zest to the often playful, “man on the street” tempo of the selection was the talented soloist and orchestra member, Brian Drake, who has mastered all the complicated “runs” in the piece. It’s no surprise that Drake is the 2008 Pasadena Philharmonic Concerto Contest Winner.
Hadyn was born in a tiny Austrian village and “his musical background consisted of folk songs and peasant dances until age 6, when he moved to Vienna.” His exceptional young voice placed him in the choir of St. Stephen’s Cathedral; however, nature intervened and when his voice changed, he was dismissed from the choir, penniless. After years as a struggling music teacher, he was chosen for Prince Esterhazy’s private orchestra. A prolific composer, Haydn produced operas, symphonies, overtures, quartets and trios, sonatas and concertos. His masses, in which he “praised God with a cheerful heart,” were condemned by the more severe decorum of the church.
During the intermission, concert goers were treated to homemade cookies and the crowd filled the Fellowship Hall at the church.
After intermission, the sonorous sounds of “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1 in F” by Franz Liszt filled the auditorium. Soon after, the tempo morphed into majestic sounds depicting royalty. As an additional surprise, the music changed again into an almost pixie-like, hide and seek sound, as the flutes and piccolos were featured. Of course, the horns, piano and tympani must have their say, as the strings jump in and lead the way. The effect was delightful! For an Austrian, Liszt wrote some great Hungarian music!
Not so strange to find that Liszt had a connection with Haydn, although Haydn had died shortly before Liszt was born. Both were affiliated with the patron family Esterhazy. Under these auspices, Liszt began his training on the piano and during his lifetime, he had no equal as a pianist. The nineteen Hungarian Rhapsodies were written in a style fostered by Gypsy musicians. Liszt later collaborated with his friend and son-in-law, Richard Wagner.
What does English music sound like?
I don’t know exactly, but when you hear it (as “English Folk Song Suite”) you recognize its “Englishness”! The composition of three by Ralph Vaughn Williams begins with a spritely “Seventeen Come Sunday,” full of playful joy. “My Bonny Boy” is unmistakably Scottish – full of pathos and sad sweetness conjuring up thoughts of the gray, foggy mist typical of the area. The closing selection in the group, “Folk Songs of Somerset,” is immediately reminiscent of a sea chanty, sassy and in-your-face – full steam ahead with violins, cellos and bass, with horns and drums running alongside. An upbeat conclusion to a fast-paced program.
Season tickets are an annual bargain at $35, as is the admission to each concert at $7. For ticket information, call Karen Fuller at 713-941-3332.
Mark your calendars now for an absolute necessity for the Christmas season – the Philharmonic performs “The Nutcracker” on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., December 7, at Deer Park ISD Performing Arts Center, 3432A Center, next to the stadium.
I know … that’s “Hello, Dolly,” but the sentiment’s the same when area music lovers greet the opening concert of the 27th season for the Pasadena Philharmonic Orchestra.
When Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, the orchestra was invited to perform in the equally beautiful sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church. Conductor Frank “Bud” Woodruff explained that the group had missed about three weeks of practice because of the storm and its varied effects, so the program content was changed somewhat. The change certainly did not diminish the enjoyment of the crowd. If anything, the choices were lighter, livelier and more upbeat.
As always, the event opens with a welcome from the society president; this year it’s Givvie Searcy. She introduced the host, Pastor Dean Pogue of First Presbyterian, who graciously expressed appreciation to the orchestra for holding the concert there.
Every concert by the Philharmonic begins with “The Star Spangled Banner,” with the crowd standing — it’s a respectful tradition and we have far too little of it.
Although the concert program listed Leroy Anderson’s “Fiddle Faddle” as the closing number, Woodruff announced that it would be first. As a frolicking tribute to composer Leroy Anderson, longtime arranger for the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops Orchestra and prolific writer of familiar “fun” music, on the anniversary of his 100th birthday. “Fiddle Faddle” is a toe-tapping, pleasing combo of strings being “bowed” and plucked.
Samples of Anderson’s collection of popular favorites are “Sleigh Ride,” “The Typewriter” and “Syncopated Clock.” The son of Swedish immigrants, he was fluent in nine languages, which made him invaluable as a member of the U.S. Army in WWII and the Korean War. He was recognized by the entertainment industry with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The orchestra then launched into “Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major,” composed by Franz Joseph Haydn. Adding zest to the often playful, “man on the street” tempo of the selection was the talented soloist and orchestra member, Brian Drake, who has mastered all the complicated “runs” in the piece. It’s no surprise that Drake is the 2008 Pasadena Philharmonic Concerto Contest Winner.
Hadyn was born in a tiny Austrian village and “his musical background consisted of folk songs and peasant dances until age 6, when he moved to Vienna.” His exceptional young voice placed him in the choir of St. Stephen’s Cathedral; however, nature intervened and when his voice changed, he was dismissed from the choir, penniless. After years as a struggling music teacher, he was chosen for Prince Esterhazy’s private orchestra. A prolific composer, Haydn produced operas, symphonies, overtures, quartets and trios, sonatas and concertos. His masses, in which he “praised God with a cheerful heart,” were condemned by the more severe decorum of the church.
During the intermission, concert goers were treated to homemade cookies and the crowd filled the Fellowship Hall at the church.
After intermission, the sonorous sounds of “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1 in F” by Franz Liszt filled the auditorium. Soon after, the tempo morphed into majestic sounds depicting royalty. As an additional surprise, the music changed again into an almost pixie-like, hide and seek sound, as the flutes and piccolos were featured. Of course, the horns, piano and tympani must have their say, as the strings jump in and lead the way. The effect was delightful! For an Austrian, Liszt wrote some great Hungarian music!
Not so strange to find that Liszt had a connection with Haydn, although Haydn had died shortly before Liszt was born. Both were affiliated with the patron family Esterhazy. Under these auspices, Liszt began his training on the piano and during his lifetime, he had no equal as a pianist. The nineteen Hungarian Rhapsodies were written in a style fostered by Gypsy musicians. Liszt later collaborated with his friend and son-in-law, Richard Wagner.
What does English music sound like?
I don’t know exactly, but when you hear it (as “English Folk Song Suite”) you recognize its “Englishness”! The composition of three by Ralph Vaughn Williams begins with a spritely “Seventeen Come Sunday,” full of playful joy. “My Bonny Boy” is unmistakably Scottish – full of pathos and sad sweetness conjuring up thoughts of the gray, foggy mist typical of the area. The closing selection in the group, “Folk Songs of Somerset,” is immediately reminiscent of a sea chanty, sassy and in-your-face – full steam ahead with violins, cellos and bass, with horns and drums running alongside. An upbeat conclusion to a fast-paced program.
Season tickets are an annual bargain at $35, as is the admission to each concert at $7. For ticket information, call Karen Fuller at 713-941-3332.
Mark your calendars now for an absolute necessity for the Christmas season – the Philharmonic performs “The Nutcracker” on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., December 7, at Deer Park ISD Performing Arts Center, 3432A Center, next to the stadium.
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jb17 wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:15 AM: