RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Capriccio Espagnol
SARASATE Gypsy Airs
SARASATE Carmen Fantasy
DE FALLA Three Cornered Hat
RAVEL Bolero
This weekend’s program features sassy, sumptuous selections, all with a Spanish theme.
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, featuring CSO concertmaster Calin Lupanu, is a sprightly, vivacious piece based on Spanish folk melodies. The piece was featured in the opening credits of the 1935 movie The Devil is a Woman.
Also showcasing concertmaster Lupanu, Sarasate’s Gypsy Airs and Carmen Fantasy are considered two of the most challenging pieces for the violin. Sarasate himself was a violinist, of whom colleague George Bernard Shaw said “he left criticism gasping miles behind him.” Sarasate’s fiery, fearless style influenced the violin school greatly and continues today.
Itzhak Perlman plays Sarasate\’s Zigeunerweisen \”Gypsy Airs\”
“For 37 years I’ve practiced 14 hours a day and now they call me a genius.” -Pablo Sarasate
In case you’ve missed it, check out the CSO Facebook and Twitter Bolero video countown, in honor of the finale.
Ravel’s most famous work, Bolero is a Spanish style of dance that originated in the 18th century. Danced either solo or with a couple, a Bolero is in 3/4 time and of a moderate tempo. With a much more contained nature than the Sarasate pieces, the fire of this danza quietly simmers before it boils.
These impassioned, spirited works are distinctly Spanish, with all the verve and warmth therein. Join us this weekend for ¡Bolero!
