April 9, 2022 — A Fine Romance

Saturday, April 9, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Gershwin Performing Arts Center | Murrieta Mesa High School

Tonight’s Program

Symphony in D Major, Op. 11, No. 2 — Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745 – 1799)

1. Allegro Presto
2. Andante
3. Presto

Siegfried Idyll (Triebschen Idyll with Fidi’s Birdsong and Orange Sunrise) — Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883)

Deux Marches et un Intermede (1937) — Francis Poulenc (1899 – 1963)

1. Marche 1889
2. Intermede Champetre (Country Interlude)
3. Marche 1937

INTERMISSION

Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791)

1. Allegro molto
2. Andante
3. Menuetto. Allegretto – Trio
4. Finale. Allegro assai

Peg Moore (1935 – 2022)

We dedicate this evening’s program to the memory of Peg Moore, our long time advisor, patron, and friend

Thanks to the Murrieta Valley Unified School District for their support of this concert.

Concession sales this evening benefit performing arts programs at Warm Springs Middle School.

Members of the California Chamber Orchestra

All musicians performing in this concert are members of
The American Federation of Musicians, Local 325

Program Notes

First up on this evening’s program is Symphony No. 2 by French composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799). Though his name may not be familiar, he was considered an incredible talent during his lifetime. In fact, today you can still find a street named after him in Paris.

Joseph Bologne in 1768

Bologne’s Symphony No. 2 is in three movements. The first movement is quick and bright and gives the feeling of a celebration. The second movement, a slower andante, focuses on the strings of the orchestra and has a darker mood. The final presto is the most developed of the symphony’s movements. It begins with an energetic passage, and continues with various repeated sections, highlighting different combinations of the orchestra, contrasting dynamics, and instrumental color. Joseph Bologne used this symphony as the Overture to his 1780 Opera “The Anonymous Lover.”

Cosima Wagner in 1879, painted by Franz von Lenbach

Poulenc composed the short orchestral suite Deux Marches et un Intermede for dinner entertainment during the 1937 Paris World’s fair. The short three movement work captures the energy, sparkle, and modern nature of Paris in the late 1930’s. The striking orchestral harmonies, interesting color combinations, and edgy rhythms make these movements a delight to share.

Wolfgang and Nannerl c. 1763 by Eusebius Johann Alphen

The final selection for tonight’s concert is one of Mozart’s last symphonies. Written in 1788, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 was composed in only a few months, along with symphonies number 39 and 41. It is possible Mozart never actually heard this symphony performed live in concert, although all three of his final symphonies have been performed thousands of times since.

Wagner called Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, K. 550 “pivotal to the romantic world.” The symphony’s tone is dark, serious, and grounded. As Mozart matured as a composer and artist, and dealt with life’s losses (his parents, infant son, and sister), his art changed, too. Where we might imagine a silly, spoiled young man in his early works, a more worldly, somber and serious person comes through in his later pieces. In his final symphonies we also clearly understand why art, and music, can move its audiences and live-on for hundreds of years.

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