Nov 19 Concert Script
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Introduction
Welcome, everybody, and thank you for accompanying us for tonight's concert. Featured today is the Tarrant County College Northwest Chamber Orchestra, working in collaboration with high schools in the metroplex. As we present this semester’s talent, we hope you enjoy the theme of tonight’s concert, the instrumentation, and the joy we receive through the art of music-making. This performance will feature pieces by various composers, expanding on the theme of Love and Passion. At this time, please silence your devices and if your child gets too excited about the concert, please step aside so that the audience can enjoy the performance. Again, we thank you for accompanying us for tonight's concert!
Pieces/Composers
The first piece presented for you tonight is by Mozart, titled Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat major. Before writing the piece, Mozart had moved to Vienna where his friend had lived. He and this friend were remarkably close and had a deep respect for each other as musicians and as friends. It was originally composed by Mozart in red, blue, and green ink on the manuscript to startle the performer and he wrote this with the intention of his friend performing this piece. (Needless to say, he was a great friend. LOL) Although this may be different from traditional definitions of love, it is evident that Mozart and his friend were close. Considering the piece is in a major key, it already has a connotation that we generally associate with positivity. The instruments pass on motifs and themes between each other, creating a dialogue in the melody. We call it a “call and response.” As you listen tonight, be conscious of the conversation in the musical lines and come up with your own interpretation of what Mozart is portraying to the listener. We hope that you enjoy this first piece and if you would please help me welcome our student french horn soloist, Ethan Flint, and our orchestra director, Mr. Benson Lee!
The next piece, titled Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah is written by Camille Saint-Saens. If you are familiar with the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, you would know that there is seduction and betrayal that play into the teaching. You see, Samson was to keep a secret to keep his strength, and Dalilah was tested by her peers to pull the secret out of him. Many ways she tried and failed. She even used the line, “if you love me, you’ll tell me.” (I’m sure some of you have heard that before. LOL) The composer, Saint-Saens, wrote that he had a musically talented distant relative and they decided to write an opera together. This piece from the opera is performed during a scene where Samson and Delilah are dancing, before the fighting and during their courting. Flirting and playing the game of love. Musically speaking, this piece has a faster tempo, creating an atmosphere of tension and passion. Samson and Delilah are interacting with each other and testing the waters of passion. There is a lot of phrasing that takes place, with the dynamics and tempo pushing and pulling to represent the ebb and flow of love, just like a relationship that goes through its ups and downs. Please enjoy the storytelling told by the instruments assembled tonight.
Up next is Sergei Prokofiev’s The Montagues and Capulets from Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 2. It’s a romantic piece regarding the story of Romeo and Juliet. Prokofiev was a late-Romantic era composer who wanted to write music for the tragedy of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” This story is still regarded as perhaps one of the most passionate love stories in English literature. This excerpt from the ballet takes place during the scene when the two families realize that they must stop fighting to preserve lives. A ballroom dance takes place. Tensions are high during this scene and the minor key makes that evident. The music begins with a lot of energy and volume, we call this playing forte. It’s a music style marking that informs the musicians to play strong. There’s a scene in the ballet when Romeo and Juliet are able to dance with each other, and there is a moment in the music where things get quieter or piano, as the musicians here would describe it meaning the opposite of forte. It becomes more relaxed yet remains a minor key to foreshadow the outcome of their actions. We hope you enjoy this dramatic musical portrait of the classic love story, Romeo and Juliet!
Genesis, written by Rossano Galante presents a story of rebuilding humanity after a utopian society attempts to destroy it. The theme of love is depicted more in the context of unity, metaphorically and literally. The music sounds hopeful and gradually builds. There are moments of conversation between instruments that take place to illustrate different groups of people coming together. During these instrumental interludes, they each have different timbres and modes that Galante uses to paint a picture for the listener. Each instrument plays together toward the end of the piece, representing humanity coming together and solving a problem. Although this depiction of love may be different from traditional definitions of love, this piece possesses a lot of passion and emotion throughout. Genesis translates to new beginnings so think of this song as a renewal of humanity that brings hope for a brighter future of love. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful journey!
Hasn’t the orchestra been amazing so far?! The last piece that will be performed is from the film, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. The film is centered around a ring that possesses power to build and destroy, and to prevent it from landing in the wrong hands to use that power for evil, 8 various adventurers must destroy the ring to complete the task. This story is about friendship, and although there is romance, it is more about them being able to unite toward a common goal. There are many changes in the timbre and tone throughout the piece, representing the differences in those who are on this adventure together. Howard Shore wrote this score for the film, which is heavily centered around passion, but specifically friendship and unification for a common purpose. While we wrap up tonight’s performance why don’t we give the orchestra and Mr. Lee another round of applause!
This is a reminder that the Visual and Performing Arts department offers dance, theater, music, and visual arts classes and programs for any student that would like to join. If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of our staff and faculty members for assistance. Thank you once again for your attention tonight. We hope you have been having a good time. Now, for the last time tonight, let's welcome our director, Benson Lee, back on the podium and enjoy this last performance from our orchestra playing on the theme of love and passion!