As a member of our Orchestra family we want you to enjoy the benefits of your membership gift with access to open rehearsals, “Meet the Artist” Salon Series events, and much much more. Thank you for your commitment to our Fabulous Philadelphians.
Free CD
It is our pleasure to send our Annual Fund Concert Circle members and above (gifts of $250 or more) one exciting CD.
CD Form
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 2
Music for the soul – One of the great Mahler conductors of our time, Christoph Eschenbach has a particularly close connection to the spiritual spheres of pain and relief in the music of Gustav Mahler. This recording features the Second Symphony (“Resurrection”), which was one of Mahler’s most popular and successful works during his lifetime. The celestial “Urlicht” song of the fourth movement is performed by the celebrated mezzo-soprano Yvonne Naef. The famous chorus of the Finale (“Auferstehung”) features Simona Šaturová and Yvonne Naef with The Philadelphia Singers Chorale.
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection” 87:31
I. Allegro maestoso 22:35
II. Andante moderato 11:14
III. [Scherzo] In ruhig fließender Bewegung – 10:34
IV. “Urlicht” (from Des Knaben Wunderhorn). Sehr feierlich, aber schlicht. – 5:50
V. Im Tempo des Scherzo – 37:14
Peter Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Tchaikovsky – a relationship on which a legend was built. Tchaikovsky’s vibrant and emotionally charged Fourth Symphony resounds here with the magnificent beauty of the lush “Philadelphia Sound” in a white-hot interpretation under Christoph Eschenbach. As an added bonus this CD also includes the final six piano movements (July-December) from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons with Christoph Eschenbach as pianist.
Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 46:49
I. Andante sostenuto – Moderato con anima – Moderato assai, quasi andante – Allegro vivo 9:46
II. Andantino in modo di canzone 11:14
III. Scherzo. Pizzicato ostinato – Allegro 5:40
IV. Finale. Allegro con fuoco 9:55
The Seasons, Op. 37b 21:27
VII. July: Reaper’s Song 1:56
VIII. August: Harvest 3:43
IX. September: Hunting 2:33
X. October: Autumn Song 5:18
XI. November: Troika 2:58
XII. December: Christmas-Tide 4:42
Peter Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
One might well call The Philadelphia Orchestra playing a Tchaikovsky symphony the perfect marriage. Few ensembles have built such a legacy and strong association with the great Russian master. This recording features the final Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique’. Written in the last year of his life, this most melancholic of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies is forever associated with the tragedy of his sudden death in 1893. As an added bonus, the disc includes the seldom-heard piano masterpiece Dumka, performed by Christoph Eschenbach on piano.
Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique” 49:45
I. Adagio – Allegro non troppo 19:48
II. Allegro con grazia 7:56
III. Allegro molto vivace 9:12
IV. Finale. Adagio lamentoso – Andante 12:36
Dumka, Op. 59 (Russian rustic scene) 9:43
Hummel—the Trumpet: Balance and Change
Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Beethoven’s contemporary, was arguably the most famous pianist of his time and a well-known composer. He wrote an astonishing trumpet concerto for an experimental instrument. Today, he is nearly forgotten. David Bilger, principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Michael Cone, Orchestra Board of Directors member, discuss that concerto and why Hummel is forgotten.
Webern Demystified
Anton Webern (1878–1945), Arnold Schoenberg, and Alban Berg forever changed music. Nevertheless, Webern’s music is difficult, little played, and less understood. Philadelphia Orchestra Board Member Michael Cone loves Webern. He explains how his music works, when it is written, and how to enjoy it as much as he does. A wide range of music dating from 1500 to 1978 is played to illustrate his lecture.
Tchaikovsky Considered
During Tchaikovsky’s lifetime, Russia had two musical camps: one European, one national. Tchaikovsky fits between them, a measure of his greatness and individuality. The CD summarizes Russian music during his time and examines several of his pieces to show why they succeed so well.
Stravinsky & the Neoclassical Style
The French conductor Stéphane Denève and Orchestra Board member Mike Cone both agree that Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks Concerto is his best piece. In this CD they discuss why they think so, how the piece works, and what the circumstances of its composition were. An interesting side light is the insight that is given into the working methods of the conductor.
The Requiem & Fauré
Gabriel Fauré wrote a requiem mass that is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written, and is also a shocking change from what went immediately before. It set the course that this form was to take for the next half century. The CD explores Fauré’s extraordinary music and unusual style while tracing the musical and literary background of the requiem to make it clear why Fauré wrote what he did.
Annual Fund