Intermediate Orchestra

Programme notes

This afternoon NYIO will be performing a challenging programme from a wide range of musical periods.

1. Unfinished Symphony, First Movement

We begin with the first movement of Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. Scholars disagree on the reasons behind the work remaining incomplete despite Schubert living a further six years after abandoning work on it. The two surviving movements are considered among the most exquisite of Schubert's output. The symphony begins with a soft dark theme in the cellos and bass creating an unsettled opening. A melancholy oboe and clarinet melody competes with interrupting interjections from the rest of the orchestra before making way for a more lyrical second subject. The central development section emerges from a soft restatement of the opening theme before an anguished build up to explosive drama and emotion. 

2. Highlights from Jurassic Park

Jumping into the world of cinema, the music from Jurassic Park composed by John Williams begins with a sudden tense opening with dissonant chords leading to solos for the horn and harp. The music then disperses into warmer string sounds and an upbeat march-like trumpet theme. Following repetitions of the various themes, the piece ends with a loud stab from the whole orchestra.

3. Andante Festivo

Next we split up into sections with the Strings playing Sibelius' rousing Andante Festivo conducted by Matthew Barks.

4. The Lion King

The Woodwind, Brass and Percussion perform a medley from the Disney classic The Lion King conducted by Lilla Di Miceli.

5. Carmen Suite No.1

First performed in 1875, the opera Carmen was Georges Bizet's final work. Set in southern Spain, the drama follows the downfall of soldier Don José who is seduced by fiery gypsy, Carmen. Suite No.1 consists of five movements and opens with intense string tremolo chords, a fateful melody and dark stabs that suggest the angst of what is to come. Many of the movements contain passages for woodwind soloists, most notably the famous flute solo that begins the Prelude to Act III. Originally used as the Introduction to Act I, the frantic final movement is full of energy and features the 'Toreador theme' sung by Don José's rival, Escamillo in the opera.