West Michigan Symphony Warms Up to Baroque

MUSKEGON, MI, January 13, 2011

Inspired by the expressive musicality of the Baroque period, the West Michigan Symphony will warm the theater of the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts during a performance on Friday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will feature celebrated Baroque and Baroque-inspired works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Igor Stravinsky and Richard Strauss. Rooted in a style of classical European music popular from 1600 to 1750, the orderly composition of Baroque is at the same time lively and tuneful. Sure to invoke and inspire this spirit, the Symphony's presentation of "Baroque and Beyond: A Mid-Winter Treat" will feature one of Bach's most enduring works, as well as two period-inspired pieces by later composers Stravinsky and Strauss.

"This program promises to be just what the title implies: A real mid-winter treat," said Scott Speck, music director for WMS. "The music possesses a certain intimacy and warmth, and it inspires a cozy atmosphere wherever it's performed. In every respect, the majestic Frauenthal Theater, with its elaborate Moorish architectural influence, is the perfect venue in which to experience the intimacy of the Baroque."

One of six "Brandenburg" concertos (fondly referred to by the composer as "Six Concertos with Several Instruments"), Bach's Concerto No. 3 was originally scored for an ensemble of three violins, three violas, three cellos and continuo. It is considered to be one of the Great Master's most familiar, celebrated and enduring works, as well as one of the finest musical compositions of the Baroque era.

When Russian composer Stravinsky first concepted his sparkling and tuneful "Pulcinella Suite," he may not have known he was on the brink of a new musical direction. A 20th century musical adaptation of an old Baroque suite by Pergolesi, the ballet "Pulcinella" borrowed from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte tradition and incorporated 18th century musical material. It not only marked Stravinsky's departure from purely Russian subjects, but it also ushered in the second of his compositional periods and introduced the music world to neo-classicism.

The musical influence of the Baroque period is not often known to be frisky and playful. Apparently no one told that to Richard Strauss. Written as a tribute to Baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully and the playwright Molière, Strauss' re-interpreted concert suite from Molière's "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" is a delightfully sparkling arrangement of nine separate movements. The result is a musical work every bit as resplendent in its humor and charm as it is in its beauty and warmth.

"Like the legacy of music itself, the beauty of West Michigan's shoreline in winter is something to be celebrated," Speck said. "'Baroque and Beyond is the Symphony's treat to our regional audiences. We're certain it will be as inviting as a hot soak or a flickering fire on a cold winter's eve, yet filled with the splendid warmth that only symphonic music can evoke."

All WMS concerts take place in the historic Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon. Individual WMS regular season single tickets are $10, $25 and $35 and may be purchased online at http://www.westmichigansymphony.org; in person at the West Michigan Symphony Ticket Office, Suite 409 (4th floor) in the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon; or by calling 231.726.3231.

The eight-concert series, which concludes June 3-4, 2011, will feature such highlights as Beethoven and Blue Jeans with special guests eighth blackbird, a multi-media presentation in collaboration with Grand Valley State University, and a return engagement by Las Vegas talent, Steve Lippia.

About West Michigan Symphony
As one of the few professional regional orchestras in Michigan, West Michigan Symphony has played a leading role in the region's cultural community for more than 70 years. Founded as the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, WMS now serves a regional audience with eight pairs of concerts annually, along with dozens of educational and outreach activities for children and adults. WMS oversees operations for the West Michigan Youth Symphony. For more information, visit http://www.westmichigansymphony.org.

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