A standard violin repertoire piece and one of the best symphonies ever written—Beethoven's Symphony No. 7—will be played at the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s first concert on Sept. 28 at 8 pm at Ridgefield High School. The concerto is Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2 with soloist Jennifer Frautschi, and the evening begins with Kodály's Dances of Galanta. The brilliantly programmed concert focuses on rhythmic effects.
The opener consists of seven interconnected dances with varied rhythms, whose boundaries are indicated by changes in key and tempo. Principal clarinetist Edward Wojtowicz has formidable cadenza and solo melody parts in the first and last dance. In the latter he then joins the orchestra as the dance moves at breakneck speed. There are also virtuoso solo passages for flute and piccolo, often playing together, as well as oboe. The work is an exhilarating experience for all listeners.
Frautschi was educated at Harvard, New England Conservatory, and Juilliard. At age 18 she was invited by André Previn to perform at Caramoor as a “Rising Star.” She has played throughout the world and has appeared as soloist with major orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She has recorded the two Prokofiev concerti with Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony. The second concerto’s finale is a mock waltz. Its conclusion is announced by soloist over low strings and bass drum and captivates the listener with its rhythmic drive.
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Wagner called the Beethoven work “the Apotheosis of the dance.” It features probably the best slow movement the composer ever wrote; it had to be repeated at the premiere!
The concert is sponsored by Fairfield County Bank. Single ticket prices are $25, $45, or $60. To purchase tickets, use www.ridgefieldsymphony.org (preferred) or call the orchestra office at (203)438-3889.
