Philharmonia Northwest: Dancing in the Night
$20 ($15 student/senior)
Alfred Schnittke — Concerto Grosso
Jean Sibelius — Valse Triste
Antonín Dvořák — Nocturne in B major, Op. 40, B. 47
Mikhail Shmidt, violin
Artur Girsky, violin
Cristina Valdes, piano
Dvořák – Nocturne in B major, Op. 40
Sibelius – Valse Triste, Op. 44, No. 1
Schnittke – Concerto Grosso for 2 violins, harpsichord and string orchestra
Mozart – Symphony No. 40, in G minor
Dvořák’s haunting Nocturne in B major opens the program, followed by Sibelius’ Valse Triste (“sad waltz”), reflecting the dreams of a son facing the impending death of his mother. In his Concerto Grosso No. 1 for two violins, harpsichord and prepared piano, Schnittke twists a familiar Baroque form into something entirely new, including modifications to the physical instrument of the piano. The piece features Seattle Symphony violinists Mikhail Shmidt and Artur Girsky alongside pianist Cristina Valdes. Continuing the season theme, the orchestra performs Mozart’s familiar “great G minor” Symphony No. 40.