Friday-Sunday, January 15-17, 2021
Edo de Waart, guest conductor
Jon Kimura Parker, piano
MICHAEL IPPOLITO Nocturne
RACHMANINOFF Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
R. STRAUSS Ein Heldenleben
Talk about music that will knock your socks off and make your heart sing — this concert led by distinguished conductor Edo de Waart promises to be memorable and life-affirming.
Rachmaninoff was a consummate pianist and wrote brilliantly for the instrument. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is a winning example of his craft. Of all the 24 variations on the theme, No. 18 is best-known and downright swoon-worthy with its gorgeous, soaring melody. Appearing frequently on “best of” lists, it also turns up the romance in movies like “Somewhere in Time” and “Groundhog Day.” Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker “dazzles” (Salt Lake Tribune) with his performance of this piece.
Richard Strauss calls for massive orchestral forces including, count ’em, eight French horns for Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life). He found the sound of horns perfect for the heroic theme in this thrilling and grand masterwork. Right away you’ll hear the hero’s majestic melody, and then we’re off on an adventure. Another section uses a warm and passionate violin solo to depict his wife. Strauss asks the woodwinds and brass to deliver some especially masterful playing throughout the piece, and he quotes many of his earlier works, like Don Juan, Also sprach Zarathustra, Death and Transfiguration, Don Quixote and Till Eulenspiegel within this all-encompassing retrospective. All conflict eventually fades into peaceful solitude, and you’ll leave Helzberg Hall with a renewed sense of serenity.
