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Robert Moody conducts The Arizona Musicfest All-Star Orchestra
Sneak Peek …read more
Maestro Moody begins his orchestral series with Marquez’s Danzon #2. “So rousing, when I opened a concert with it two years ago, it received a Standing Ovation. Not to conclude a concert; to open a concert!” ~ Bob Moody
Then, Rachmaninoff’s biggest hit, Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini. Bryan Wallick is the perfect piano soloist (a Gold Medal winner of the Vladimir Horowitz Prize).
After Intermission: Mason Bates introduces the audience to Rusty Air in Carolina. “Young and Julliard-trained, at a time when symphony orchestras are trolling for audience magnets, Bates has the bait!” ~Los Angeles Times
Then Robert Moody presents Respighi’s colossal Pines of Rome. “demanding virtuoso playing from each orchestra section.” ~ Barbara Heninger
This concert is Huge. And it’s just The Opener!
Guest Artist Bio
Premium Seating available in the orange areas of the seating chart below.
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff
What a combo! Two composers, who were also virtuoso performers: Paganini, whose incredible violin technique, it has been said, was the result of the sale of his very soul to the Devil; and the moody, often “over the top” romantic Russian composer, Rachmaninoff. The basis for Rachmaninoff’s composition for Piano and Orchestra, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, is 24 Caprices for solo Violin by the genius Italian violinist, Paganini. This pianistic tour de force, comprised of three sections, is truly a heroic Concerto. It is a music of many moods: urgent and impetuous, quiet and introspective, huge and powerful. The touching melodic Variation #18 is THE star for many listeners. But then what of the dramatic and threatening final Variation? Brian Wallick, our most highly skilled pianist, and the Arizona Musicfest All-Star Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Moody, will give an astounding reading of this cornerstone of Romantic Musical Literature!
Rusty Air in Carolina by Mason Bates
Come sit on Nan’s Porch and listen to the sounds of nighttime in Carolina! Sit until you hear the Locusts Singing in the Heat of Dawn and you will “see” the hours pass in Katydid Country and the glow of Southern Midnight. This is a lush music, warm and intriguing, descriptive, innovative in its orchestration. It is a quiet triumph of orchestral color.
Pines of Rome by Respighi
A symphonic canvas of orchestral color, four gorgeous orchestral views of the Eternal City as described by Respighi, “painter” of sound par excellence. Children romp in the Villa Borghese gardens, the strings and a lone trumpet evoke ancient Catacombs, moonlight floods Janiculum Hill. (NB: you will hear a surprise addition to the orchestra in this section!) Finally, blasts of brass announce an ancient ghostly army as it marches along the pine-lined Appian Way.
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