Musician’s Note: Fans of Beethoven’s Ninth Unite!

If you’re a fan of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, then you’ll want to be sure to reserve your seats for this weekend’s performance of Anton Bruckner’s 4th Symphony. Bruckner was so heavily influenced by the genius of Beethoven’s 9th that he modeled his own symphonies on the same basic scale and shape.

The 4th “Romantic” Symphony starts quietly and transforms into a most glorious cathedral of sound. Granted, as a brass player I am biased and some might argue that I live for just this kind of music.  Not true!  This is, however, a great opportunity to hear what is arguably one of the finest brass sections in the nation.

The evening begins with Benjamin Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem. Britten was invited to compose the work as a commission for the 2,600th anniversary of the ruling dynasty of Japan. As a dedicated pacifist, Britten used the opportunity to register his feelings about war – the result being that his work was never performed in Japan. Composed in 1940, the Requiem is a masterful work that takes you on a journey from the brutal inevitability of death to the hope of eternal rest.

The middle work of the evening is the beautiful and contemplative Adagietto movement from Mahler’s 5th Symphony. This has to be one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed – and it doesn’t have any horns!

Please join my colleagues and me on this journey from music for the cathedral to a glorious cathedral of music.

Bruckners 4th - A Big Brass Show
October 31 & November 1 at 8 PM
Abravanel Hall
Learn more on utahsymphony.org >>