Sun, Feb 19, 7:30 pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Program
After a deep crisis of confidence, Rachmaninoff made an astounding comeback with his Piano Concerto No. 2. Maestro Francis conducts the sumptuous score with electrifying pianist Joyce Yang to kick off TFO’s mini festival celebrating 150 years of Rachmaninoff. The maestro calls Rachmaninoff’s concertos some of the most jaw-dropping feats of human achievement: “To be truly captivated, you must see them performed LIVE.” The soul of the rest of the program is in the swans. Sibelius sends off his Symphony No. 5 with the soaring “swan theme” in the finale, while the English horn (TFO’s Jeffrey Stephenson) is the elegant voice of his Swan of Tuonela.
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3: TFO’s mini festival continues next weekend with Rachmaninoff’s most difficult – and most thrilling – work, also featuring Joyce Yang.
Jean Sibelius
(1865-1957)
Swan of Tuonela, Op. 22, No. 2
Jean Sibelius
Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82
I. Tempo molto moderato; Allegro moderato – Presto
II. Andante mosso, quasi allegretto
III. Allegro molto; Misterioso
– Intermission –
Serge Rachmaninoff
(1873-1943)
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
I. Moderato
II. Adagio sostenuto
III. Allegro scherzando
Joyce Yang, piano
Joyce Yang plays the Steinway Piano from the Music Gallery, exclusive agents for Steinway & Sons.
Program Notes
Author Kurt Loft, freelance writer and former music critic for The Tampa Tribune, provides detailed and informative program notes about the pieces on this program. Click here to read online.
Printable Program Notes
Click here for a printable version of the repertoire and program notes.
Audio Program Notes
Listen to the audio version of the program notes, with music excerpts.
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Artists
Learn more about the artists performing on this program.
TFO is grateful to Dr. Robert Wharton for his generosity as patron, donor and sponsor of this concert.
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