One of Ravel’s earliest orchestral compositions, the Rhapsodie espagnole is divided into four movements. The first features a particularly prominent motif comprising pitches F–E–D–C-sharp; the motif is all the more notable in that it returns throughout the three subsequent movements. Debussy’s Fantaisie pour piano et orchestre holds a special place in his output as his only work for solo instrument and orchestra. Subtle, atmospheric, and richly coloured, it offers a rare glimpse into the emergence of the composer’s unmistakable musical voice. Richard Strauss’ Le Bourgeois gentilhomme (The Middle-Class Aristocrat) was originally intended to serve as the framing device for his opera Ariadne auf Naxos; when the reception for this structure was mixed, Strauss opted to remove the Bourgeois music and transform it into its own suite.

Kristian Alexander | conductor
Dmitri Levkovich | pianist
Daniel Vnukowski | host (Classical 96.3 FM)

7:10 p.m.   Pre-concert talk
7:20 p.m.   Prélude: pre-concert recital. 
                    Intermission discussion and Q&A with Dmitri Levkovich and Daniel Vnukowski.
                    Post-concert reception.

For more information, visit the KSO subscriptions page.