Great Romantics:
Wieniawski Second Violin Concerto,
Tchaikovsky Symphony Pathetique,
Schumann Overture to Genoveva
Saturday, March 26 at 7:30 PM
Subscription concert 3 will feature Newton resident and Boston Symphony Orchestra violinist Polina Sedukh performing the Second Violin Concerto of Polish violin virtuoso, Henryk Wieniawski, plus Tchaikovsky's Symphony Pathetique. The concert will also include a performance of Schumann's Overture to Genoveva.
A lesser-known masterpiece of romantic lyricism and passionate melodic expression, Wieniawski's Second Violin Concerto is a true test of virtuoso violin playing. Wieniawski (1835-1880) was considered "a violinist of genius," and an artist of great individuality, intensity of expression, and original technique. His Second Violin Concerto is a small masterpiece that has become a standard in the violin repertoire. While demonstrating the virtuoso possibilities of the violin technique, the composition is also characterized by Romantic lyricism and passionate melodic expression.
Polina Sedukh, a resident of Newton Upper Falls, was appointed to the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2004. She graduated from the Longy School, and completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory in St. Petersburg.
Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony, Symphony Pathetique was composed during the last year of his life and is forever associated with the tragedy of his sudden death. Its premiere, with the composer on the podium, was given in St. Petersburg on October 28, two weeks before the composer's death. Tchaikovsky's brother Modest suggested the name by which the work has become known to the world, using the French word "pathetique," meaning melancholy. The work is strongly emotional, and may well have been the composer's farewell to life. Since his death, the piece has become one of the most appreciated works of the concert repertoire.
The Overture to Genoveva by Robert Schumann comes from the composer's only opera. While the opera is not often performed, the overture remains an appreciated part of the concert-hall repertoire. This piece is also a work of passionate romanticism, a fitting companion to the Tchaikovsky and and Wieniawski compositions.
The performance will be held at the Rashi Auditorium, 15 Walnut Park, Newton Corner at 7:30 pm with a pre-concert lecture by Stephen Ledbetter at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $30 and $25 with a $5 discount for students and seniors. Children's tickets are $10. Contact the NSO office at 617-965-2555.
