The Controversial Tonalist
Evening Music | May 6, 2010
George Rochberg made his name as a serialist in the manner of Schoenberg, but after the death of his son in 1963 he abandoned atonal music, saying it was inadequate to express his sorrow. Instead, he began composing tonal works — something considered rather controversial for a serious composer in the 1970's. Tonight we'll hear the "Transcendental Variations," based on a movement from his Third String Quartet.
Also tonight, Mark O'Connor's "Appalachia Waltz" (you can hear a premiere of his this Monday during WNYC's live broadcast of the Musicians for Harmony concert). Later on we'll hear Morten Lauridsen's exploration of mystic spiritualism in his "Lux Aeterna," performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia. Bringing the evening to a peaceful close is cellist Pieter Wispelwey in J.S. Bach's Suite for Solo Cello No. 5, followed by the Hilliard Ensemble in Arvo Pärt's beautiful "Da pacem Domine."
Also tonight, Mark O'Connor's "Appalachia Waltz" (you can hear a premiere of his this Monday during WNYC's live broadcast of the Musicians for Harmony concert). Later on we'll hear Morten Lauridsen's exploration of mystic spiritualism in his "Lux Aeterna," performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia. Bringing the evening to a peaceful close is cellist Pieter Wispelwey in J.S. Bach's Suite for Solo Cello No. 5, followed by the Hilliard Ensemble in Arvo Pärt's beautiful "Da pacem Domine."
