Our conductor Steven Joyce-Myall writes about the programme for the November concert.
We have two works by Jean Sibelius. He draws on his native Finland for inspiration, particularly folk-songs and nationalism. In these two early works we can hear the beginnings of his highly distinctive style which has led to him to being considered one of the greatest symphonists.
Finlandia
His tone poem Finlandia, composed at the same time as his first the symphony, reflects the growing political tension between Finland and Russia and a rally cry for independence. Both works bear Sibelius’ hallmark influences of his native folk music and musical storytelling traditions that create his distinctive musical profile.
Sibelius’ First Symphony
is rooted in the romantic tradition, not unlike Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. It is at once wonderfully atmospheric and deeply lyrical. When an English critic heard Sibelius’ First Symphony shortly after it was written, he wrote: Every page breathes another manner of thought, another way of living.
Brahms / Detlev Glanert
We’re also including a wonderful treatment of four serious songs by Brahms, but in an orchestration by German composer Detlev Glanert. Glanert composed his own prelude and interludes which he weaves into the songs in an ingenious manner. We hear the songs as a continuous piece, with Glanert’s interludes leading us to the next. Glanert comments: Nearly all the material in the preludes comes from Brahms and I tried to use it and transform it like a stylistic muscle, so that the music starts in his world, is sliding slowly into our world, and then falling back again.
This is sung by lyric bass Trevor Eliot Bowes
He was born in Victoria, Canada and studied at the University of Toronto, the Banff Centre for the Arts and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He is a former Britten Pears Young Artist and an alumnus of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists programme. Based in the UK, Trevor has performed in opera, oratorio, recital and chamber music with various opera companies, orchestras, and festivals including English National Opera and the London Philharmonic.
Here’s a link to his website where you can listen to some of his recordings. You won’t be disappointed.
https://www.trevoreliotbowes.com/