Chicago Philharmonic 2018-2019

16 FALL 2018 | THE CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY 2018 2019 SEASON: CELEBRATE POLONIA Karol Szymanowski (1882 -1937) Concert Overture in E Major, Op. 12 (1919) In 1904, one year before he became a member of the in uential Young Poland in Music group, Szymanowski began composing his rst symphon- ic piece, Concert Overture. Initially completed in 1905, it was later revised extensively and repub- lished in 1919. e work, like much of his early output, was heavily inspired by German Romantic composers Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner. Much like his contemporary Strauss, Szymanowski shows masterful orchestration in both mighty orchestral high points and delicate chamber moments. e overture begins exuber- antly with an opening theme played by strings and six horns (bearing similarities to Strauss’ early work Don Juan ). Szymanowski balances the ecstatic introduction later with expressive violin solos performed by the concertmaster. Like much of Szymanowski’s repertoire, Concert Overture is inspired by literature. e original score was inscribed with a line of the poem “Witez Wlast" ( e Knight Witez), by his friend and poet Tadeusz Miciński: I will not play you sad songs, O Shades! but will give you a triumph proud and erce…I will take you to the land of the polardawn…and I will stain the sacri cial stones with blood and reforge you, people – into demigods… Frédéric Chopin (1810 -1849) Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante , Op. 22 (1835) Few, if any, composers have contributed as much to the classical piano repertoire as Polish-born Frédéric (born Fryderyk) Chopin. In his rather short lifespan, Chopin composed nearly 170 pieces, most for solo piano. Chopin’s mastery of the instrument is apparent in his compositions as he de ly maneuvers through the full timbral range of the piano. Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante is a unique piece in Chopin’s repertoire, as it was composed as two separate, contrasting works that were later put together. e Grande polonaise brillante is a form of a polonez (polonaise in French), one of Poland’s ve national dances derived from 16 th century folk dances. Although Chopin le Poland, never to return, at twenty years old, he considered himself a Pole for the entirety of his life. In what might be considered a tribute to his homeland, he composed at least 23 polonaises. Written in 1830, Grande polonaise brillante is scored for piano and orchestra as a uniquely large-scale piece for Chopin. e dance in triple time begins with a fanfare-like introduction and ends in dazzling, virtuosic conclusion. e contrasting Andante spianato was composed some three years later. Written without orchestral accompaniment, it serves as a calm introduction to the grandiose polonaise. “Spianato” translates to “level” or “smooth”, and this is apparent in the oating right-hand melody supported by rippling le -hand movement. Chopin personally premiered the piece in Paris in April of 1835. Although the concert was a success, Chopin disliked performing in front of large crowds — he preferred intimate, private concerts — and never performed a major piece in public again. Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante marked the end of Chopin’s career as a piano virtuoso and paved the way for his peak compositional style later in life, in whichmelody and expression took precedent over technical or virtuosic display. Chicago Philharmonic Festival: Poland 2018 Celebrate Polonia Saturday, November 10 2018, 7:30pm Copernicus Center, Chicago Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago Piotr Janicki speaker Scott Speck conductor Łukasz Krupiński piano Karol Szymanowski (1882 – 1937) Concert Overture in E Major, Op. 12 Frédéric Chopin (1810 – 1849) Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante , Op. 22 I. Andante spianato. Tranquillo II. Polonaise. Allegro molto - Meno mosso Intermission Andrzej Panufnik (1914 – 1991) Tragic Overture Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860 – 1941) Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 17 I. Allegro II. Romanza. Andante III. Allegro molto vivace Performance time approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Lira Ensemble Pre-concert Entertainment, 6:30pm The Lira Ensemble is the nation’s only professional performing arts company specializing in Polish music, song, and dance. Its mission is to bring the best of Polish culture into American life. Founded as the Lira Singers in 1965, the ensemble now makes about 50 appearances a year in the Chicago area, across the Midwest, occasionally around the nation, and has made six concert tours of Poland. Lira has produced nine major recordings that are sold nationwide. Lira presents the full spectrum of Polish music and dance, both classical and folk, with informative and witty English language narrations that explain the traditions and history behind the works performed. Lira has long been trusted by Polish Americans as an expert culture bearer.