Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Neale explores a Romantic masterpiece

Upbeat with Alasdair peruses Beethoven’s No. 9


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

The Sun Valley Summer Symphony with Alasdair Neale conducting at the opening of the Sun Valley Pavilion in August 2008. Photo by Willy Cook

German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven was one of history's most influential and esteemed composers. The musical works composed by Beethoven marked a transition between the Classical and Romantic music eras in the 19th century. One of Beethoven's most well-known and revered symphonies is Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral," and it will be performed by the Sun Valley Summer Symphony at the Sun Valley Pavilion for the closing of the summer symphony 2009 season on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

To whet symphony lovers' appetites, the symphony's music director, Alasdair Neale will present a talk, Upbeat with Alasdair, on Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 at the Community Library in Ketchum on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.

"I have conducted it three times, but I have known the work all my life," Neale said. "Growing up as a musician you can't avoid this symphony—it's an icon."

Neale said this particular Beethoven symphony is an icon because it sums up the entire human condition with pain, drama, humor, tenderness and joy. The symphony is the creation of the world's most famous composer at his peak.

"I learn something new each time I do it," Neale said. "In rehearsals I come in prepped, but then I will say to the orchestra, can I try something. I like to leave myself open to spontaneity and to be able to have that freedom."

Neale will spend time on the symphony's first three movements and talk about the work's unusual features, such as the last movement, "Ode to Joy," and the addition of the chorus and text.

"The symphony's opening is one of the most mystical openings ever," Neale said. "Eventually it explodes into a very dramatic statement. I encourage people to listen to the symphony if they are not familiar with it."

Neale will play examples of the many recordings of the symphony at the talk to reveal how the symphonies play it to fit their style or performance.

For details on the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and its summer performance schedule in August, visit svsummersymphony.org

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com




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