It's not every day that David Danzmayr, Paul Rissman, Janet Chen and Brittany Lockman of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra can get together and actually sit down for a cup of coffee, but when it happens, the conversation is incredible. I was lucky enough to sit down with this incredible power-team and talk about their upcoming Naked Series concert.
So, What is Naked Classics?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz3A6VvXlds&feature=youtu.be
About Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, Op. 68
This particular work is an excellent choice for a program suitable for everyone. This particular symphony is almost cinematic; it seems to tell a story and evoke images that everyone—especially MidWesterners— can call to mind. Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 is often referred to as the "Pastoral Symphony" is a programmatic work, meaning it purposefully uses the listener's mind to portray scenes and vignettes that nearly tell a story.
Beethoven described this work, especially the first movement as, "more the expression of feeling than painting."
Thus, the first movement, rather than meaning to evoke the picture of a countryside ("Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the countryside"), it is actually a call for the listener to recall their own emotional context and enjoyment of a pastoral scene from their own life.
It's as if Beethoven is asking the audience, "Remember that one time you went driving in the country? That lovely day? Think of that."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdfnW5DT7Vg
What could be more enjoyable than an evening of music that calls such poignant moments of life to mind? I'll see you Friday night.