On Sounds Good, George Eldred and Paducah Symphony Orchestra conductor Raffaele Ponti preview this Saturday’s performance of Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 3, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite, and Oscar Navarro Clarinet Concerto No. 2.
Ponti says the Navarro piece was suggested by this concert’s soloist Frank Cohen, who was the principle clarinet for the Cleveland Orchestra for 39 years. Ponti calls the piece a “dynamic opportunity to show off” the clarinet’s ability, sound, and color. It is cinematic and written in a stereo effect. Ponti says it is easy to listen to with beautiful colors and timbres.
An interesting fact about the next piece, Aaron Copland did not compose Appalachian Spring with the region of Appalachia in mind. Ponti says Copland actually wrote it as a ballet for a friend to be played by Benny Goodman. Ponti says the suite centers around a tune many will recognize from recorder lessons or church hymnals.
Ponti says the Brahms symphony ends like a sigh of relief. The effect comes about from ending a symphony of such magnitude in a “soft, subtle decay.” Ponti says it has a deep, rich color.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. November 5th at Paducah’s Carson Center.