German Masterpieces
The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka kicks off its 2019 programme with “German Masterpieces", a selection of some of the greatest works from Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Beethoven’s Egmont Overture will open
the programme.
Written as an accompaniment for a play by Goethe about a heroic
Dutch nobleman (Egmont)
who sacrificed himself in the struggle against imperial forces of 16th century Spain, encompassing all Beethoven’s fury against Napoleon’s imperial wars which were in full swing at the time of composition, the overture goes through trials, tribulations, tragedy and triumph – all in eight short minutes. This is beautifully
offset by the Choral Fantasia in C Minor, by Beethoven in his later period, which will feature the most talented Soundarie David
Rodrigo as the soloist on piano. A choir directed by Mary Anne David and featuring singers from the Old Joes Choir, Soul Sounds, The Mary Anne David Chorale and Menaka Singers, will perform the choral finale of this unique piece, bringing together a gamut of musical sound for the audience.
Mendelssohn’s Symphony
No 3 completes the set. Inspired originally by a visit to Scotland, the composer wrote these lines after walking in the Highlands:”in the deep twilight we went today to the palace were Queen Mary lived and loved. The chapel below is now roofless. Grass and ivy thrive there and at the broken altar where Mary was crowned Queen of Scotland. Everything is ruined, decayed, and the clear heavens pour in. I think I have found there the beginning of my ‘Scottish’ Symphony.” Although the Symphony moves to many other non-scottish themes thereafter, one may like to listen out for the haunting misty echoes of broken dreams in the opening bars.
As always passionately conducted by Dushyanthi Perera, the Orchestra takes to the boards on Saturday 23rd February at the Ladies College Hall.
On Saturday 23rd Feb. at the Ladies College Hall.
Beethoven’s Egmont Overture will open the programme. It was written as an accompaniment for a play by Goethe about a heroic Dutch nobleman who sacrificed himself in the struggle against imperial forces