Grace and power are both components of masterful music.
Showcasing these traits, the Fox Valley Orchestra will present its “The Grace and the Power” concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Crimi Auditorium on the Aurora University campus.
“This concert features three absolute stalwarts of the orchestral literature,” said Conductor and Music Director Stephen Squires.
The program includes “The Hebrides” by German composer Felix Mendelssohn “Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor” by French Composer Camille Saint-Saens and “Symphony No. 5 in D minor” by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich.
“I see the pieces as good examples of how the romantic style naturally progressed into the music of the 20th century,” Squires said. “Each piece is an organic outgrowth of the one before it.”
Theme of the concert is, fittingly, “The Grace and the Power.”
“Although there are moments of both grace and power in each of these pieces, I think most of the grace is found in the Mendelssohn and the Saint-Saens, whereas the Shostakovich is simply teeming with power, and a very profound power to say the least,” Squires said.
Opening the program, “The Hebrides” overture was composed in 1830 and revised in 1832.
“It is tuneful, delicate and inventive, a perfect example of Mendelssohn’s timeless style,” Squires said.
Next is the “Cello Concerto No. 1,” which was written in 1872.
“(It is) elegant, optimistic, pure and simple beauty,” Squires said.
Guest cellist Matthew Agnew will join the orchestra for this concerto.
“Matt is one of my favorite musicians, mostly because he is so versatile: He can dazzle while playing a concerto in front of an orchestra, and he can also rock hard just playing and improvising in a blues, rock, funk or jazz style,” Squires said. “Matt is creative, thinks outside of the box, and I always learn when listening to him play.”
Closing the concert is the “colossal” fifth symphony by Shostakovich, composed in 1937.
“It is about many things, I would say, but the feelings that stand out for me are perseverance, conflict, finding your voice in the world, and ultimately, hope for tomorrow,” Squires said.
Of course, this symphony has its challenges.
“The Shostakovich is a bear — not only is it technically demanding but emotionally as well,” Squires said. “To know the political circumstances of the era, with Stalin attempting to use all Soviet artists as propaganda tools, you can hear the angst coming out of every note. For such incredible art to exist under such repression, it is a miracle.”
The musicians certainly will get a good workout with this particular program.
“Each piece is a masterpiece, completely different in style and intent,” Squires said. “The orchestra must be a chameleon, a psychologist, a magician. It is a real test to give everything you have to achieve great music.”
There’s a lot for concertgoers to take in.
“As always I am hopeful that the audience is inspired by the beauty and power of live music,” Squires said. “Listening to music that has deep artistic value is easy, provided you are always open to its unique context and language.”
Fox Valley Orchestra’s ‘The Grace and the Power’ Concert
When: 3 p.m. Feb. 2
Where: Crimi Auditorium, 407 S. Calumet Ave., on the Aurora University campus
Tickets: $11-$20
Information: 630-891-2526; foxvalleyorchestra.org
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.
