Rhapsodies & Dances: An Evening of Musical Interpretations
The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s Rhapsodies & Dances concert on October 27 was an evening of expressive performances, fascinating musical interpretations, and delightful surprises. With near-perfect autumn weather welcoming patrons to Callaway Auditorium, the evening offered plenty to enjoy and be thankful for. Here are a few beautiful smiles as the late evening light quickly faded into darkness.
The First Step
After a brief welcome by LSO Board President Clara Keith Brown, concertmaster Samuel Vargas Teixeira entered the stage to enthusiastic applause.
España
Maestro Richard Prior opened the evening with a brief introduction to Emmanuel Chabrier’s España, offering the audience a glimpse into the story behind the music. Although Chabrier was French, his travels in Spain inspired this lively orchestral work, through which he captured the country’s spirited rhythms and vibrant musical character.
From the first measures, España brought unmistakable Spanish flair to the auditorium. Its rhythmic drive, colorful orchestration, and infectious energy made for an engaging start to the evening. The LSO brought the piece to life with a precise, spirited performance, setting the stage for a concert filled with expressive music waiting to be discovered.
Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody
Maestro Prior continued to introduce each work throughout the evening, offering details that deepened the audience’s connection to the music. The audience clearly appreciated these insights. Hearing them directly from the Maestro brought a special immediacy and authority to the experience. (The LSO website also offers articles to explore before each concert.)
For many, the evening’s highlight was Johannes Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody, featuring guest artists Emily Landa Levin, mezzo-soprano, and The Sons of Lafayette male chorus. Wearing a striking dark teal gown, Emily delivered a moving performance, bringing warmth and emotional depth to Brahms’ music. The stunning bouquet of pink roses presented to her afterward was a beautiful tribute to her performance. The Sons of Lafayette looked equally distinguished in dark suits and blue-and-white striped ties, their rich choral sound blending beautifully with Emily’s voice. Together, the soloist, chorus, and orchestra conveyed an emotional journey that words alone can scarcely express.
Where Chabrier’s España evoked the character of a place, Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody explored a state of mind. Capturing such an inward struggle through music is no small achievement, either in composition or performance. The result was a deeply moving interpretation that brought the work’s emotional power to life.
In Alto Rhapsody, a solitary figure struggles with despair before music gradually opens a path toward comfort and human connection. Sung in German and drawn from a much longer poem, the text could be difficult for listeners to follow. Maestro Prior pointed out that an English translation was included in the concert program to help the audience appreciate the emotional transformation at the heart of Brahms’ work.
Distinctive Descriptions in Sound
Following intermission, the program shifted to the dances, beginning with Alun Hoddinott’s Investiture Dances, written for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. The work opened with a joyous, ceremonial announcement, and the orchestra brought its celebratory spirit to life with a bright, confident performance that immediately captured the audience’s attention. The Presto movement ended abruptly, surprising many in the audience. Hoddinott uses this technique for dramatic effect, and it certainly worked here.
Gustav Holst’s Japanese Suite opened with a beautiful, attention-grabbing bassoon solo. This is a suite that moves between delicate passages and more robust, energetic sections. While Holst is best known for The Planets, this colorful and varied composition was a delightful discovery for this writer. Maestro Prior suggested we listen for precursors to ideas that Holst would later use in The Planets, and I’m glad he did.
The orchestra continued with Malcolm Arnold’s English Dances, Set One, bringing out the music’s pastoral character alongside its lively dance rhythms. The LSO handled these contrasting moods beautifully, moving between gentler, flowing passages and more animated sections with energy and sensitivity. It would be great to hear set two of these English dances in the future.
The evening concluded with Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances, a lively finish that showcased the orchestra’s versatility. The second movement offered a particularly playful moment, with a bassoon solo that seemed to portray someone struggling to keep their balance. As Maestro Prior quipped, the character may have enjoyed a little too much single malt! The many instrumental solos throughout the evening added further highlights, reflecting the musicians’ skill and bringing a memorable concert to a spirited close.
Looking Ahead
The next opportunity to experience the Moments of Music comes on November 17, when the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s youth musicians take the stage for their upcoming concert. Please take note that this date has recently changed. Tuesday, November 17th is the correct date.
Then, on December 8, the orchestra welcomes the community back for Holiday Magic — Music that welcomes us home — a cherished seasonal tradition filled with holiday favorites and the sparkling melodies of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
