Classics 8: From the Golden City

Eckart Preu, conductor

Gautier Capuçon, cello

Georges Bizet, L’Arlesienne, Suite no. 1

Camille Saint-Saëns, Cello Concerto No. 1

Antonin Dvorák, Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"

Bizet, best known for his opera, Carman, wrote L'Arlesienne Suite based on music he composed for a play. The Dvorak was fascinated by the music of Native Americans and African Americans. He learned spirituals and plantation songs. The results are evident in his ingenious New World Symphony. It is so American that there is even a hint of John Williams' theme from Jaws in the finale. Saint-Saën's cello concerto is structured as one continuous movement, which keeps the soloist in the dramatic and musical foreground, while the orchestra offers a shimmering backdrop. The music is tremendously demanding for soloists, especially in the fast third movement, and the young firebrand cellist Gautier Capuçon is up to the challenge.

Check out our Interactive Program Notes for this concert.

Gautier Capucon will be offering a Master Class for cello on Friday, March 19 at 3 p.m. Click for details.