September 23, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major, “The Great,” the U.S. premiere of the shortest four-movement symphony ever written and the Symphony premiere of Stravinsky’s “Symphony in Three Movements” are featured in an Oregon Symphony classical concert led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar on Oct. 15 and 17 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Media support is provided by The Oregonian. Lufthansa is the exclusive airline sponsor for the Symphony’s Classical series.
Schubert’s last and most significant symphony is an audience favorite and is also one of the longer symphonies in the orchestral repertoire, lasting 50 minutes. Combining “The Great” with Austrian composer Kurt Schwertsik’s six-minute “Shrunken Symphony” and Stravinsky’s watershed “Symphony in Three Movements” makes for an interesting and sophisticated program, says Artistic Administrator Charles Calmer. “This concert is full of humor, pathos, irony and nobility; all those qualities are found in just three works representing vastly different styles that embody almost 200 years of musical development.”
Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, known as “The Great” because of its length, is one of the 19 th century’s most significant orchestral works. Fellow composer and music critic Robert Schumann praised Schubert’s “heavenly length,” and added, “How refreshing is this feeling of overflowing wealth!” With its seemingly endless supply of exquisite melodies and its grand overall design, Schubert achieved his goal of writing a symphony worthy of the legacy of Beethoven.
Schwertsik’s “Shrunken Symphony” embodies the essence of symphonic writing while showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of the orchestra. “It’s the haiku of symphonies,” says Calmer. “Schwertsik is trying to integrate the vernacular and classical styles. His music maintains a high artistic standard while acknowledging the influences of popular music.” The “Shrunken Symphony” was commissioned by the Mozarteum Salzburg and was first performed on December 31, 1999 at the Mozarteum by the Camerata Salzburg under Roger Norrington.
In addition to the Schubert and Schwertsik symphonies, this concert also features the orchestra’s first performances of Stravinsky’s “Symphony in Three Movements,” the most played and most popular of Stravinsky’s symphonies. This jazzy, rhythmic work is a musical summation of Stravinsky’s response to events of WWII. “This is a major work of the 20 th century repertoire,” says Calmer. “The music is inspired from earlier styles of writing, but everything has a fresh new twist.”
Oregon Symphony Classical concerts regularly include additional opportunities for listeners to learn more about the music and the orchestra. These activities include:
Pre-concert talks: Music Director Carlos Kalmar and KBPS host Shaun Yu will lead a discussion one hour before the concert of the works to be performed. Media support for “Pre-Concert Talks” is provided by Classical Millennium.
Saturday: Music Director Carlos Kalmar will speak briefly from the podium in “Saturday Interactive.” Media support for “Saturday Interactive” is provided by KINKfm102.
Performances are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets range in price from $20 to $85 and may be purchased at the Oregon Symphony Customer Service Office (923 S.W. Washington), Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or charged by phone, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (503) 228-1353 or (800) 228-7343. Tickets also may be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets (503-790-ARTS) or through Ticketmaster Online, via the Symphony’s Web site at www.orsymphony.org. Service fees may apply.
