Eastman School Symphony Orchestra: HUMPERDINCK Hänsel und Gretel: Prelude скачать в хорошем качестве

Eastman School Symphony Orchestra: HUMPERDINCK Hänsel und Gretel: Prelude

Eastman School Symphony Orchestra Neil Varon, conductor Rebecca Bryant Novak, assistant conductor Performed on September 27, 2023 in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre Program Notes: Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) was a German composer known for his versatility with various musical genres. Overall, his music bears elements of the German tradition that are closely woven within musical infl uences by Richard Wagner, whom he assisted for a time. Humperdinck’s musical journey began with his enrollment in the Cologne Conservatory at 18, where he studied voice and composition. In 1876, he received the Mozart Stipend of Frankfurt, enabling him to study under Franz Lachner at the Royal Music School in Munich (1877-1879). During this time, he received an award from the Mendelssohn Foundation of Berlin allowing him to travel to Naples, where he met Richard Wagner during the summer of 1879. His most famous work, “Hänsel und Gretel,” based on a libretto by his sister Adelheid Wette, was fi rst performed in Weimar in December 1893, under the baton of Richard Strauss. This opera, though initially intended for children, has appealed to audiences of all ages due to its blend of innocence and Wagnerian depth. It successfully merges a children’s story with a profound orchestral world, making it a post-Wagnerian work that harmoniously embodies the German master’s style. While his other works, such as the pleasant “Humoreske” for orchestra from 1880, still receive occasional performances today, Humperdinck’s legacy chiefl y rests on “Hansel and Gretel”. Humperdicnk’s “Hansel and Gretel” is a timeless masterpiece that transports audiences into a world of enchantment and musical splendor. Loosely based on the popular story fi rst published by the brothers Grimm in 1812, the work unravels the tale of two impoverished siblings, Hansel and Gretel, residing in a humble forest cottage with their parents. Plagued by hunger, they embark on a journey into the woods, stumbling upon a gingerbread house harboring a malevolent witch. The opera follows their odyssey, a spellbinding narrative of courage and love triumphing over adversity. Humperdinck’s score is a symphonic tapestry, rich with folk-inspired melodies and evocative harmonic language. The overture alone transports the audience into an enchanting realm, painting vivid musical landscapes that set the stage for the captivating story. The music faithfully mirrors the characters’ inner states, from playful innocence to trepidation, echoing the eerie atmosphere of their surroundings. At its essence, “Hansel and Gretel” explores themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the timeless battle between good and evil. For over a century, “Hansel and Gretel” has held its place as a cherished gem within the operatic repertoire, and its overture is still a recurring feature on many symphonic programs. Its bewitching music, endearing characters, and timeless motifs continue to captivate audiences, inviting them to rediscover the enchantment of youth and the enduring triumph of courage and love. As you experience this performance, allow yourself to be swept away by the colorful array of folkloristic melodies. Let the overture carry you deep into the heart of the forest and the embrace of familial bonds in this enduring masterpiece. – Yonatan Dvir