Night on Bald Mountain

Our concert begins with the thunderous, Bach-like, gothic opening of Poulenc’s Organ Concerto, which leads us through a playful and quirky fast movement, a lyrical lamenting tune, and four alternating quick and slow sections with touches of Stravinsky-like ostinato. A wonderful moment is the beautiful viola solo, encircled by organ and timpani, near the end of the work.

Next is Night on Bald Mountain composed by Mussorgsky and arranged by Rimsky Korsakov. The work is inspired by Russian literary works and legend. Mussorgsky composed a "musical picture" of St. John's Eve on Bald Mountain featuring a Witches’ Sabbath. Immediately recognizable to anyone who has watched Disney's Fantasia, this driven and demonic work evokes the pagan festivities involving fire, water, and fertility rituals as well as the gathering of witches and spirits. The ending brings resolution at the break of dawn as we hear church bells disperse the demons and spirits.

Next, Wagner’s Eine Faust Overture is a wonderful picture of the restlessness of the soul, its aspirations, and its struggles with destiny. Based on the first part of Goethe’s Faust, Wagner composed this overture to represent Faust as he aspires to learn everything that can be known.

We conclude our concert with Hétu’s Légendes. The composition consists of three movements, each inspired by a Quebec legend. One of the movements "Alexis le Trotteur" follows the legendary character from the Saguenay region known for his racing exploits. According to legend, he could run faster than any horse, car or train! The music is energetic and lively and several easily recognizable Quebec folk themes can be heard.

Erica Miller, OSO Concertmaster, First Violin