*Twentieth Century Favorites
Sunday Feb 7, Church of the Epiphany (DC)
Saturday Feb 13, Masonic Memorial (Alexandria, VA)
* Please note the date change from Sunday 2/14 to Saturday 2/13 for the Masonic Memorial Concert *
Maestro James, Conductor
Shaun Tirrell, Pianist
Karl Hovey, Tubist
William Walton “Touch her soft lips and part”
George Gershwin Piano Concerto in F
Sergei Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances, op.45
Gioacchino Rossini Largo al Factotum (from The Barber of Seville)
Acclaimed Washington area pianist Shaun Tirrell joins WMP for a scintillating performance of Gershwin’s unique Concerto in F. One of the most striking and original pieces of the 20th century, it packs emotional introspective depth combined with rhythmic vigor and joy in a modern idiom.
The program continues with Rachmaninoff’s last original composition, written in 1940, the Symphonic Dances. The Dances have come to be acknowledged as one of his finest works. Spectacularly orchestrated, the three Dances showcase Rachmaninoff’s trademark gorgeous melodies, rhythmic acrobatics, haunting visions, and finally his belief in the triumph of faith over death.
Rounding out this exciting program is the fourth movement from Walton’s music for Shakespeare’s play, the Henry V Suite. This movement titled “Touch her soft lips and part,” is one of Walton’s most tender and expressive pieces of music.
A special lighthearted treat, not from the 20th but from the 18th century will be the Philharmonic’s principal tubist, Karl Hovey, performing the baritone solo aria, “Largo al factotum” (Make way for the factotum) from Rossini’s Barber of Seville.
*From WMPA’s announcement page.