Sat 18 Jul 26
Concert begins at 1930
£15 unreserved
£1 under-18
Southernhay United Reformed Church, Southernhay East, Exeter EX1 1QD
‘Memories & Echoes’ focuses upon four evocative works from three nineteenth century masters and one contemporary composer. We open with the Overture to Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner (1813-1883). The story sees the eponymous hero returning home to win a song contest and secure the hand of his first love. Despite a lukewarm response at the Dresden première of the opera, its overture has since become a worthy staple of the concert hall.
The orchestral rhapsody España by Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894) is perhaps equally familiar. The French composer was drawn to Spanish themes. A trained lawyer and civil servant for twenty years, Chabrier was inspired to devote himself to music and compose a collage of Andalucian dances. The catchy piece enjoys international popularity, although not in Spain!
Our third piece is the world première of the Symphonic Suite, Thoughts of Cambridge by Colin G Dance (1965-). Colin, who describes himself as “a retired policeman who’s become a professional musician”, has been the ESO’s tubist for many years. We hope you will enjoy his latest tuneful composition.
Our finale, the Symphony No 2 in B minor by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) is recognised as the composer’s greatest success alongside his opera, Prince Igor. Written over six years while a full-time organic chemist and physician, the work demonstrates a mastery of classical technique and explains his inclusion in ‘The Five’ dedicated to producing uniquely Russian classical music. During a visit to Weimar in 1879, his great friend Franz Liszt succinctly addressed those suggesting that Borodin should improve his symphony by saying: “Heaven forbid. Do not touch it; alter nothing”. He added that, in their day, Mozart and Beethoven had wisely resisted similar, misplaced advice; as a consequence, countless audiences have since enjoyed this rhythmic and ebullient piece...
