Pro Musica Spring Concert – Brahms “Under the Arches” || Bellas Artes

Pro Musica Spring Concert
– Brahms “Under the Arches”

Sunday, April 28
12:30 pm

Bellas Artes
Miguel Malo Auditorium
2nd Floor

by Tim Hazell

The thirty-five-member Pro Musica Youth Orchestra will perform the second Adagio non Troppo movement from Symphony No. 2 in D major by Johannes Brahms for its “Under the Arches” spring concert, Sunday April 28, at 12:30 pm, on the historic Bellas Artes Miguel Malo Auditorium (2nd Floor).

This year, we have added  young professional talents from leading orchestras who mentor top students from the Celaya Conservatory, Guanajuato and Queretaro University faculties of music.  The seasoned experience of the pros meets the youthful enthusiasm and energy of an emerging generation of concert artists!

German composer and virtuoso pianist Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)  is sometimes grouped with Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as one of the “Three Bs” of music.  He is considered as both a Romantic period traditionalist and an innovator.  To be sure, aspects of his music are firmly rooted in the structures and compositional techniques of masters such as Beethoven.  His craftsmanship is pristine, but with an expressionist, emotive power that transcends pure elegance.

The opening statement of the theme for his Adagio non Troppo movement is presented entirely by the cellos, creating a dark and nebulous tonality.  The bassoons play an ascending counterpoint, increasing the forceful nature of the opening, supported by horns, violas, and basses.  A second statement of the theme begins with the full orchestra, the melody being played by violins and flute.

To close, the strings take over, giving the theme one last transformation to a darker, fragmented version with minor-key hues.  The violas play a line reminiscent of “farewell gestures” while cellos take over the rising counterpoint.  Timpani now introduce emphatic triplets, thumping them as the theme makes one last surge.  At the very end, after the music recedes, clarinets and bassoons join in before the final chords.

The music of Brahms exerted a deep influence upon his colleges.  Czech composer Antonín Dvorak deeply admired him, evoking his spirit in music such as the Symphony No. 7 in D minor and the F minor Piano Trio.  Features of the “Brahms style” were absorbed in a complex synthesis with other nineteenth century trends.

Our program for the April 28 performance will include entire overtures such as the powerful Egmont Op. 84 by Beethoven, the luminous northern meditation Sad Waltz by Jean Sibelius and excerpts from famous symphonies such as the ebullient Allegro Assai movement from Mozart’s Symphony #31 in D major K. 297 “Paris.”  There will also be a spirited short introduction by one of our talented quartets who will return to contribute music during the concert’s half-way point.

The Pro Musica Youth Chamber Orchestra will be presenting “Music Under the Arches” as an ongoing series of free Sunday concerts, with comfortable seating provided for the audience.  As always, there is no charge but voluntary donations are welcome.  Our exciting spring presentation on Sunday, April 28, will attract returning aficionados and new fans alike.  Come early for a ringside seat!