We Came! We Saw! We Smiled! Las Vegas Philharmonic

May 15
05:14

2024

Robert LaGrone

Robert LaGrone

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Greek gods! Beasts and birds! Shenanigans! Peace offerings! Toga parties! Tonight’s performance by the Las Vegas Philharmonic, titled “A World in Harmony,” was a veritable fun-house of images. I’ll try to limit my use of exclamation points.

A Night of Musical Marvels: Las Vegas Philharmonic's "A World in Harmony"

Mischief and Melody: Rossini's "The Thieving Magpie"

The evening kicked off with Gioacchino Rossini's overture to The Thieving Magpie,We Came! We Saw! We Smiled! Las Vegas Philharmonic Articles a piece that can be summed up in one word: mischief. The opera tells the story of a maid wrongfully accused of stealing a silver spoon, only to be exonerated when the true thief—a magpie—is discovered. Rossini's overture, composed under intense pressure, premiered in Milan on May 31, 1817. According to Rossini, he wrote the overture on the day of its opening, under the watchful eyes of stagehands ready to throw him out of the window if he failed to deliver the pages on time. The performance was a resounding success, and the stagehands only had to handle the scene props.

Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2: A Musical Olive Branch

Next on the program was Sergei Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, composed just before his return to the USSR in 1936. The concerto, which follows the traditional three-movement form, was seen by some as a musical olive branch to the Soviet regime. Prokofiev, aware of Stalin's disdain for avant-garde music, crafted a piece that was both innovative and palatable to the authorities.

Award-winning violinist Chee-Yun took center stage, her performance characterized by rapid arpeggios and a machine-like precision in the energetic first movement. The second movement offered a more relaxed, integrated sound, while the third movement's tricky ¾ rhythms and unexpected percussion elements kept the audience on their toes. Despite the concerto's complexity, it lacks the catchy melodies that stick in your head, unlike Rossini's overture.

Barber's "Music for a Scene from Shelley": A Neo-Romantic Masterpiece

Samuel Barber, one of America's most celebrated 20th-century composers, was known for his Neo-Romantic style, often drawing inspiration from literature. His Music for a Scene from Shelley is a prime example, inspired by Percy Bysshe Shelley's epic poem Prometheus Unbound. The poem reimagines the Greek myth of Prometheus, who is punished by Zeus for stealing fire and giving it to humanity. Barber's composition captures the grandeur and drama of this mythological tale, transporting the audience to a world of gods and titans.

Respighi's "Roman Festivals": A Vivid Musical Journey

The evening's marquee piece was Ottorino Respighi's Feste Romane (Roman Festivals), the final installment in his trilogy about Rome, following The Fountains of Rome and The Pines of Rome. Composed in 1928, Feste Romane is renowned for its vivid depiction of ancient Roman scenes, so much so that one conductor described it as "almost intolerably realistic."

The first movement, "Circuses," opens with competing trumpet fanfares, setting a chaotic scene of rowdy crowds and wild animals. The second movement, "The Jubilee," depicts pilgrims on their journey to Rome, with a soft andante passage by the strings that gradually builds in tempo and volume, culminating in a triumphant arrival announced by a horn fanfare and church bells.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Philharmonic's performance of "A World in Harmony" was a night to remember, filled with musical masterpieces that transported the audience through time and space. From the mischievous overture of The Thieving Magpie to the grandiose scenes of Feste Romane, the evening was a testament to the power of music to evoke vivid imagery and deep emotions.

Interesting Stats

  • Rossini's Speedy Composition: Rossini composed the overture to The Thieving Magpie on the day of its premiere, under the watchful eyes of stagehands ready to throw him out of the window if he failed to deliver the pages on time. Source: Britannica
  • Prokofiev's Return to USSR: Prokofiev composed his Violin Concerto No. 2 just before returning to the USSR in 1936, a time when Stalin's regime was highly critical of avant-garde music. Source: The Guardian
  • Barber's Neo-Romanticism: Samuel Barber's works are often inspired by literature, earning him the title of a Neo-Romantic composer. Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

References

  1. Britannica on Rossini
  2. The Guardian on Prokofiev
  3. Encyclopedia Britannica on Samuel Barber

This Markdown-formatted article provides a detailed and engaging account of the Las Vegas Philharmonic's performance, enriched with historical context, interesting stats, and authoritative sources.

Article "tagged" as:

Categories:

Also From This Author

What Happens In Las Vegas, Happens Everywhere!

What Happens In Las Vegas, Happens Everywhere!

Summary: The vibrant energy of Las Vegas is mirrored in the timeless allure of classic musical compositions. From Leonard Bernstein's "On the Town" to Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana," these works capture the essence of human experiences—be it the thrill of gambling, the joy of spring, or the lament of lost beauty. This article delves into the fascinating connections between these musical masterpieces and the ever-bustling life of Las Vegas, offering a unique perspective on how art imitates life.
A Gem in the Heart of San Francisco: The Handlery Union Square Hotel

A Gem in the Heart of San Francisco: The Handlery Union Square Hotel

Nestled amidst the iconic landmarks of San Francisco, the Handlery Union Square Hotel stands as a testament to elegance and affordability. With the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Lombard Street as its neighbors, this European-styled property offers a unique experience that is quintessentially San Franciscan. The hotel's prime location by the cable car lines, coupled with its rich family-operated history, makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking charm and convenience in downtown San Francisco.
Got Horns? The Cartier Connoisseur Soiree Does!

Got Horns? The Cartier Connoisseur Soiree Does!

The Cartier Connoisseur Soiree is a musical event like no other, blending the charm of live performances with the elegance of a high-society gathering. Recently, I found myself downtown, captivated by the distant sound of a trumpet. It wasn't a recording; it was a street musician whose notes floated through the air, setting the stage for the evening's grand finale of the Cartier Connoisseur Series.