Charles Strouse: Annie Overture Context Originally based on Harold Gray’s comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, the broadway musical Annie is one of the most popular of the 20th century. With music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, some of the most popular songs include Tomorrow, It’s the Hard Read more…
Antonín Dvořák: Hussite Overture Context Composed for the 1883 gala opening of the Prague National Theatre, Antonín Dvořák’s Hussite Overture is one of his more relaxed ‘Slavonic period’ works. The Music Opening with a rich woodwind chorale theme, the Hussite Overture sets a solemn scene. Sonorous bassoon basslines sing Read more…
Felix Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture Context Composed when Felix Mendelssohn was just 17 years old, his Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream has remained one of his most treasured concert pieces. It was composed after Mendelssohn had read the German translation of the play in 1826, but is Read more…
Ferdinand Hérold: Zampa Overture Context Ferdinand Hérold’s comic opera, Zampa was premiered in Paris in May 1831. Although a highly popular production in Europe and the USA during the next fifty years, by the time of the turn of the century, Zampa had faded in popularity. Its overture, however, has Read more…
Felix Mendelssohn: Ruy Blas Overture Context After reading (and hating) Victor Hugo’s Ruy Blas, Felix Mendelssohn was asked to write an overture based on the grim story in 1839. The play, based in 18th-century Spain, tells the story of Ruy Blas, a servant who is tricked by his master, Don Read more…
Ludwig van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture Context Composed in 1807, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture was used in Heinrich Joseph von Collin’s tragedy of the same name. The overture received its concert premiere in 1807 at a private concert for Prince Franz Joseph von Lobkowitz. At the same concert Beethoven also Read more…
Johannes Brahms: Academic Festival Overture Context Composed in 1880 as a thank you for an honorary degree from The University of Breslau, Johannes Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture is a tongue and cheek musical representation of student songs that celebrate drinking, rowdiness and merriment. The irony of this overture is that Read more…
Franz Schubert: Overture in D Major “In the Italian Style” Context Composed in 1817, Franz Schubert’s Overture in D major (D.590) is one of seven orchestral overtures in this key. Composed of several tunes, and laden with Schubertian harmonic changes, this overture, in it’s directed “Italian Style” is a Schubert Read more…
Roger Quilter: A Children’s Overture Context Roger Quilter was born in Hove, Sussex in 1877. In contrast to his older brothers, Roger was the quiet, shy sibling of the group. In the mid-1880s Quilter was sent to a new prep school in Farnborough, where he was able to nurture his love Read more…
George Gershwin: Cuban Overture Context The genesis of George Gershwin’s Cuban Overture lies in a two week trip the composer took to Havana in 1932. Known for its nightlife and music, Havana made a big impression on Gershwin. He basked in exciting irregular rhythmic patterns and exotic harmonies which he Read more…