Page 23 - 2019 MW1 Program

program notes (cont.) WSO9 A timpani roll and a long pizzicato passage on the basses open the second movement, spiraling higher and higher, preparatory to a stark Russian-sounding theme for the bassoons. It creates an even more desolate sound than the chilly oboes of the first movement. The ominous mood builds up to an outburst in the strings that has been interpreted as symbolic of Russian oppression. The Scherzo for strings alone has a frantic quality about it, particularly in its irregularity of its phrasing and refusal to settle on a tonic. The pace slows down considerably for the Trio, a low oboe solo accompanied by winds. While the Trio begins on an emotionally neutral plane it quickly adopts a plaintive mood that is taken up by the entire orchestra. The Finale, which to its first audiences symbolized nationalistic triumph, is indeed both opti- mistic and grandiose, with heavy use of a trumpet fanfare motive. Like the first movement, it consists more of freely developed motives than full themes, but they are so frequently repeated as to be unforgettable even on first hearing. Program notes by: Joseph & Elizabeth Kahn Wordpros@mindspring.com www.wordprosmusic.com in appreciation The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges grants and membership assistance from the following agencies; their important encouragement and support enable us to fulfill our mission. Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. It will do so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. Learn more at www.auditionalliance.org.