At A Glance
The French-American composer Betsy Jolas, now 97, witnessed firsthand the diversity of 20th-century compo- sition, but also absorbed ideas from older music. “I am continually learning from the past,” she says. “I’m still learning and I’m still trying things I’ve never done before.” Her latest piece, appropriately titled Latest, receives its US premiere with this week’s performances.
Antonín Dvořák wrote his Violin Concerto for the famed soloist Joseph Joachim, who liked the piece, but never ended up performing it in public. The music reflects Dvořák’s admiration for his predecessors Brahms and Schubert, blending boldness with lyricism, classical elements, and Slavic influences.
Modest Mussorgsky wrote Pictures at an Exhibition to pay tribute to his friend, the artist Viktor Hartmann, whose sudden death at age 39 prompted a gallery show of his work. Originally for piano, the suite was later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, who lent incredible color and depth to each vignette.
Antonín Dvořák wrote his Violin Concerto for the famed soloist Joseph Joachim, who liked the piece, but never ended up performing it in public. The music reflects Dvořák’s admiration for his predecessors Brahms and Schubert, blending boldness with lyricism, classical elements, and Slavic influences.
Modest Mussorgsky wrote Pictures at an Exhibition to pay tribute to his friend, the artist Viktor Hartmann, whose sudden death at age 39 prompted a gallery show of his work. Originally for piano, the suite was later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, who lent incredible color and depth to each vignette.
