Our Beethoven Festival concludes with a musical exploration of the Earth and all its variety and volatility, as well as an exhibition of the artist’s understanding of the landscapes that shape human experience. The program opens with sweeping, dreamlike images and orchestral colors that infuse Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Debussy’s ethereal tone poem. Much like an Impressionist painting, the piece captures nature’s emotional and atmospheric essence through various timbres and evocative images. Continuing this natural contemplation, Buffalo-born Robert Paterson’s colorful Triple Concerto compellingly examines the composer’s concerns regarding our planet: can humans truly steward this fragile Earth well? The piece offers a wide array of emotional and natural expressions and ends on a note of both grief and hope for the Earth we call home. Beethoven’s gentle Sixth Symphony, or, the “Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life,” as named by the composer himself, follows. The piece portrays a charming countryside turn, evoking deep relaxation and contentment. Just as nature was a place of respite and healing for Beethoven, this concert offers listeners a similar reprieve in music.

JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Nikki Chooi, violin
Roman Mekinulov, cello
Eric Huebner, piano

DEBUSSY  Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
ROBERT PATERSON  Triple Concerto, “Summit”
BEETHOVEN  Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”