Page 17 - Phil simply the best program digital version

PROGRAM NOTES

I must confess… I love programming concerts as much as I love conducting them. Putting two,
much-cherished musical selections together on a single program, however, such as Copland’s
touching and beautiful Appalachian Spring or Tchaikovsky’s brilliant and often-fiery
Violin Concerto, isn’t the challenge. The true challenge lies in putting them together on a
program where you will feel you’re experiencing them for the first time. It matters how your
ears are first calibrated to hearing live music before you actually listen to the Copland and
Tchaikovsky — and I believe we have found the perfect ‘sonic sorbet’ to cleanse your aural
palette.

We begin our program with a charming set of orchestral variations on a Brazilian folk tune,
composed by a talented composer of our time, Clarice Assad. When I first heard this music,
I can’t tell you why — but I immediately yearned to hear Copland’s Appalachian Spring.
Assad’s innovative and attractive Three Little Variations evoked in me the same delight and
wonder I feel every time I hear the set of Simple Gifts variations in Copland’s ballet music.
You will be charmed similarly, I’m sure. Enjoy!
-- Steven Karidoyanes

CLARICE ASSAD (b. 1978)
Três Pequenas Variações (2020)

(Three Little Variations)

Contemporary Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad is a Grammy Award–
nominated composer, celebrated pianist, inventive vocalist, and educator. Born
in Rio de Janeiro, she is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including
an Aaron Copland Award, several ASCAP awards in composition, the New
Music Alive Partnership program by the League of American Orchestras, and a
McKnight Visiting Composer Award. She holds degrees from Roosevelt (Chicago)
and Michigan, has shared the stage with Bobby McFerrin, and has appeared
at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Caramoor International Jazz
Festival.

The composer writes: “Folk music is an integral part of the heritage of many
cultures around the world. Três Pequenas Variações is a piece for strings based on a
folk tune from Brazil called “A Maré Encheu.” Each movement is a variation of this
simple melody in different guises: Variation I: Cigana (Gypsy Variation) is in an odd
meter and reminiscent of the folk music that Bartók explored in his compositions.
Variation II: Canção (Song) is a ballad version of the theme, and the last variation
is the closest to the source, “Dança” (Dance), which explores the original rhythm
and shape of the thematic material in its raw, syncopated form. As an artist, I feel
responsible for disseminating this music and perpetuating its tradition. I hope to
facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture.”

— Laura Stanfield Prichard

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