They are probably the four most famous notes in classical music.
While the opening of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” creates instant recognition, the whole symphony itself is a perfect fit for Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s “Fridays on the Farm: From Darkness to Light” concert at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 6 under the tent of The Venue at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Pingree Grove.
Equally fitting the darkness-to-light theme is Robert Schumann’s “Symphony No. 2,” which caps the concert.
“This is a program I’ve been wanting to do for a while now,” said Andrew Grams, the orchestra’s music director. “The Beethoven is exceedingly well-known. The Schumann is not as well-known but no less of a great symphony.”
While Grams has plenty of experience with both works, he’s never programmed them back-to-back before. There are certainly some noteworthy similarities between the two.
“Both of these composers used music to overcome difficulties,” Grams said.
Beethoven wrote his “Fifth” between 1804 and 1808, toward the second half of his life when his was struggling with deafness. However, he never lost hope.
“Beethoven presents that very heavily at the beginning of the symphony,” Grams said. “All that turmoil and strife then gives way to a hope of a promising future.”
Likewise, Schumann published his “Second” in 1847, toward the end of his life, suffering from health issues and ringing in his ears.
“Schumann writes this symphony that has sunniness to it, though with a bought of depression coming in the third movement,” Grams said. “It’s interesting to take the two composers together with health issues. How they are able to transmute that into great orchestral music? Victorious and uplifting, respectively.”
The two symphonies fit with a concept Grams has often pondered.
“How has music aided in the recovery of patients and the well being of doctors, nurses and hospital staff?” he asked. Again, darkness to light.
Grams thinks his favorite moment will be the big ending of the Schumann at the end of the concert.
“It’s not in your face overblown — it’s a bit more personal,” he said. “It’s not making a great statement to the masses; it’s making a statement to your beloved person.”
It’s especially fitting, as this marks Gram’s last official concert as music director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
“It feels like a really good way to go,” said Grams, who has held the post since 2013. “I’ve loved every minute of it — it’s been a place where I feel like I have learned and grown as a human being.”
Without a doubt, Grams leaves a lasting legacy. And big shoes to fill.
“When he first arrived to the ESO, Andrew’s musical and technical ability were immediately recognizable and quickly impressed and endeared him to the Elgin public and to musicians of the ESO,” said Erik Malmquist, outgoing executive director.
“However, the Andrew Grams that we have gotten to know over his years with us is one who is more than just a great conductor; he is someone who has shown himself time and again to be compassionate, caring, sensitive to the needs of the orchestra, the community and the broader cultural scene. We will miss his presence dearly and are excited that he will return to us this coming season as a guest.”
Though Grams is stepping down from the Elgin podium after this concert, he already is booked as guest conductor with the orchestra next June for its “Scheherazade on the Farm” concert. Meanwhile, the orchestra’s upcoming season will feature a variety of candidates guest-conducting as the search goes on for his replacement.
“All of my experiences as music director have given me so much, and I hope I have been able to repay that to everyone over the time I’ve been here,” Grams said.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Fridays on the Farm: From Darkness to Light’
When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 6
Where: The Venue at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, 42W813 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove
Tickets: $100
Information: elginsymphony.org
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News.
