Poetry and Sound

Kicking off the concert is a timeless masterpiece, Sergei Rachmaninioff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, brought to life by the incredibly talented Ann DuHamel on the piano. Despite its premiere way back in 1902, you’ll be amazed by how the melodies from this piece have been reborn in many of today’s popular songs. It’s like taking a musical time machine and discovering the origins of your favorite tunes!
Next, we’ll embark on a musical journey to the mystical Andean mountains with Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Apu: Tone Poem for Orchestra.” Picture the Peruvian spirit, Apu, keeping a watchful eye on travelers as they make their way through these majestic peaks. You’ll be transported to a world of wonder and adventure as the orchestra weaves a captivating musical story.
To top off this fantastic evening, we have a special Christmas surprise in store for you. You won’t want to miss the magic and joy of the season as we wrap up the concert with a festive flourish.
Whether you’re a classical music aficionado, an adventure seeker, or just someone looking for a great time, this concert has something for everyone. Join us for an evening of pure musical enjoyment, and let the music carry you away on a journey you won’t soon forget!
 
Program Notes
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943): Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, composed from 1900 to 1901, stands as a pinnacle of late Romanticism and remains one of his most beloved works. This concerto weaves a rich tapestry of emotions and virtuosic pianism across three movements.
The first movement, Moderato, opens with a haunting melody on the solo piano, immediately captivating the audience. It evolves into a passionate dialogue between the piano and the orchestra, featuring sweeping themes and lush harmonies. The central part of this movement introduces a more contemplative theme, beautifully developed by the piano.
The second movement, Adagio sostenuto, is often described as one of the most achingly beautiful and melancholic pieces in the Romantic repertoire. It begins with a soulful solo for the clarinet, followed by the piano’s serene and introspective musings. This movement is a profound expression of longing and nostalgia.
The final movement, Allegro scherzando, bursts forth with fiery energy, showcasing Rachmaninoff’s unparalleled pianistic prowess. The piano and orchestra engage in a lively and playful dialogue, filled with Russian folk influences and dramatic climaxes. The concerto concludes with a triumphant flourish, leaving the audience in awe.
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is a true masterpiece, celebrated for its emotional depth, technical challenges, and unforgettable melodies. It continues to captivate and move audiences with its timeless beauty and profound expression of human emotion.
Click here for piano soloist Ann Duhamel’s complete bio.
 
Gabriela Lena Frank (b. 1972): Apu: Tone Poem for Orchestra
Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Apu” is a captivating and evocative orchestral work that invites listeners on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of Andean culture and landscapes. Composed in 2017, “Apu” is part of Frank’s ongoing exploration of her Peruvian heritage and her deep connection to the Andes.
“In Andean Peru, spirits are said to inhabit rocks, rivers, and mountain peaks, keeping a watchful eye on travelers passing through highland roads. The apu is one of the more well-known spirits, sometimes portrayed as a minor deity with a mischievous side who is rarely seen. Simple folk songs and a solemn prayer often successfully placate the apu to ensure safe passage through the mountains.
Apu: Tone Poem for Orchestra begins with a short folkloric song inspired by the agile “pinkillo” flute, a small, slender instrument that packs well into the small bags of travelers who must travel light. It is followed by the extended “haillí” of the second movement, a prayer to the apu, which flows attacca to the third movement in which the apu makes its brief but brilliant and dazzling appearance before disappearing once again into the mountain peaks.”
Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Apu” is a testament to the composer’s deep respect for her ancestral roots and her ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and culturally significant. It immerses the listener in the rich traditions of the Andean people, making “Apu” a captivating and unforgettable musical journey.
 
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This activity is funded in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through a MN State Legislative appropriation.