Rory
conducts Rachmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninov's beloved Second Symphony brings achingly beautiful melodies that melt the heart and marked a personal comeback for the composer after a debilitating crisis of confidence. Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto is a landmark of his dark and restless period, here featuring Anthony Ratinov. Opening the concert: a 2013 work by GRAMMY-nominated composer Anna Clyne.
“Ratinov distinguished himself by precision, crystalline sharpness, and great inner energy ... sporting a pianism at the highest level.”
—L'Ape Musicale
Tickets start at $15, with $10 student/youth tickets.
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Listen and Learn
Program notes:
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Anna Clyne (b. 1980)
DURATION: Approximately 5 minutes.
Anna Clyne’s Masquerade is a vibrant and energetic orchestral piece that draws inspiration from 18th Century promenade concerts, where attendees would gather in London’s pleasure gardens to enjoy music, dancing, and masquerade balls. Composed in 2013, Masquerade captures the spirit of these events, blending historical references with Clyne’s modern, inventive compositional style. The result is a work that feels both timeless and fresh, inviting audiences into a world of celebration and mystery.
The piece opens with a burst of energy, propelled by swirling strings and driving rhythms. Throughout, Clyne juxtaposes moments of exuberance with more introspective passages, evoking the playful yet enigmatic nature of a masquerade. The music moves seamlessly between these contrasting moods, keeping listeners on their toes, much like the masked revelers who once danced and mingled in London’s pleasure gardens. Clyne’s orchestration is colorful and dynamic, with vivid instrumental textures that paint a lively sonic portrait.
Masquerade exemplifies Clyne’s ability to create music that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Its energy and theatricality make it a thrilling concert opener, while its deeper layers reveal a composer who skillfully bridges the gap between past and present.
Three things to listen for:
The rhythmic vitality in the opening, driving the piece forward with energy and momentum.
The playful exchanges between sections of the orchestra, mimicking the lively interactions of a masquerade ball.
The shifts in mood and texture, contrasting moments of celebration with more mysterious and reflective passages.
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Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
DURATION: Approximately 34 minutes.
Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, composed in 1800, marks a significant step in his development as a composer, blending the elegance of the Classical tradition with the boldness and emotional depth that would come to define his later works. Written during a period of personal and artistic transformation, this concerto reflects both Beethoven’s mastery of form and his desire to push boundaries.
The concerto opens with a dramatic orchestral introduction in C minor, immediately setting a serious and intense tone. When the piano enters, it responds with a mix of power and lyricism, engaging in a dynamic dialogue with the orchestra. The second movement, an ethereal Largo, offers a stark contrast, featuring one of Beethoven’s most serene and introspective melodies. The final movement, a lively Rondo, brings the concerto to an energetic conclusion, with virtuosic piano passages and rhythmic drive propelling the music forward.
Piano Concerto No. 3 stands as a bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras, showcasing Beethoven’s ability to combine structural clarity with emotional complexity. This piece not only dazzles but also offers a glimpse of the bold, inventive composer Beethoven was becoming.
Three things to listen for:
The dramatic tension between the orchestra and piano in the first movement, especially in the C minor opening.
The lyrical beauty and introspection of the Largo movement, creating a moment of calm amidst the intensity.
The playful and virtuosic piano passages in the final Rondo, full of energy and rhythmic momentum.
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Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
DURATION: Approximately 55 minutes.
Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 is a monumental work, brimming with lush orchestration, sweeping melodies, and deeply emotional expression. Composed in 1906-1907, this symphony marked a triumphant return for Rachmaninov after the failure of his first symphony, which had left him in a period of self-doubt. The Symphony No. 2 helped to restore his confidence and reestablish his reputation as one of Russia’s leading composers.
The first movement opens with a slow, brooding introduction that gradually unfolds into a more expansive and lyrical theme. Throughout the symphony, Rachmaninov’s gift for melody is on full display, with the second movement featuring a lively Scherzo and the third movement offering one of the composer’s most beloved and romantic slow movements. The symphony culminates in a triumphant finale, filled with joy and exuberance, as the music builds to a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
Known for its emotional depth and breathtaking beauty, Symphony No. 2 is a masterpiece of late-Romantic orchestral writing. Its combination of lush harmonies, sweeping melodies, and Rachmaninov’s signature orchestral color makes it a favorite among performers and audiences alike.
Three things to listen for:
The expansive, lyrical theme in the first movement, showcasing Rachmaninov’s gift for melody.
The lively Scherzo in the second movement, with its energetic rhythms and playful brass interjections.
The romantic and soaring melodies of the third movement, often considered one of Rachmaninov’s most beautiful creations.
The Final Five
Alexander Prior is the first of five Music Director finalists. Meet the final five music director candidates, who will each conduct one concert featuring a different Beethoven piano concerto and major symphonic works.
Enhance your concert week experience:
Guild Legacy Pre-Concert Talk
Thursday, October 24, 2024
6:30 pm-7:00 pm
The Studio, Hult Center
Get to know Music Director finalist Rory Macdonald, guest pianist Anthony Ratinov, the evening’s program, and more at the Guild Legacy Pre-Concert Talk, hosted by Concert Master Searmi Park.
Arrive early to snag a seat!
Unofficial After Party: Manifest Brewing
Thursday, October 24, 2024
~9:45 pm-close
Manifest Brewing, 740 Willamette Street
Join us after the concert for the Unofficial After Party of Eugene Symphony at Manifest Brewing!
Keep the party going! Help us raise a glass to our first Music Director finalist, right across the street, to hang with orchestra musicians, guest artists, and staff to get to know us a little bit better.
Cheers to you! We’ll see you there!
Program:
Masquerade Anna Clyne (b. 1980)
Piano Concerto No. 3 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Anthony Ratinov, piano
Symphony No. 2 Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)