Music across the ages could be a sub-title to our April musical selections. Spanning from the baroque period to the present day, our group looked at and listened to works by Jean Féry Rebel (Les Élémens – 17th century); Beethoven (4th Symphony -18th century); while Verdi (Macbeth ballet music), Berlioz (Beatrice & Benedict Overture) and Grieg (String Quartet No.1) all belonged to the 19th century.
The 20th century composers were: Ravel (Pavane for a Dead Princess), Shostakovich (9th Symphony) and Aaron Copland (Fanfare for the Common Man).
The 21st century was represented by present day American composer Joan Tower (Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman – although the first of these (there are six in all) was composed by her in the 20th century as a response to Copland’s Fanfare).
All in all, a lot of music over a large expanse of time, but enjoyable and instructive nevertheless.
The music recordings and the notes for each session are all available below if you would like to check things out in more detail. Better still, why not join us – 2nd and 4th Fridays at 10am in the U3A room.
Bill Squire
The 20th century composers were: Ravel (Pavane for a Dead Princess), Shostakovich (9th Symphony) and Aaron Copland (Fanfare for the Common Man).
The 21st century was represented by present day American composer Joan Tower (Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman – although the first of these (there are six in all) was composed by her in the 20th century as a response to Copland’s Fanfare).
All in all, a lot of music over a large expanse of time, but enjoyable and instructive nevertheless.
The music recordings and the notes for each session are all available below if you would like to check things out in more detail. Better still, why not join us – 2nd and 4th Fridays at 10am in the U3A room.
Bill Squire
Notes for 9th April
Recordings:-
Berlioz - Overture to Beatrice and Benedict
Beethoven - Symphony No.4
Verdi - Macbeth Ballet Music
Rebel - Les Elemens
Notes for 23rd April
Recordings:-
Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man
Tower - Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Shostakovich - Symphony No.9
Ravel - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Grieg - String Quartet No. 1
Recordings:-
Berlioz - Overture to Beatrice and Benedict
Beethoven - Symphony No.4
Verdi - Macbeth Ballet Music
Rebel - Les Elemens
Notes for 23rd April
Recordings:-
Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man
Tower - Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Shostakovich - Symphony No.9
Ravel - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
Grieg - String Quartet No. 1
