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100th Birthday Gala
Showcasing compositions
and guest artists closely associated with the Orchestra's first century of music-making.
Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565
by Johann Sebastion Bach (1685-1750)
orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977)
Written by Bach, probably as an improvisation for organ, the great Toccata and Fugue in D minor was orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski in 1925, midway through his 28-year tenure as Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra. For both conductor and Orchestra, this music became a signature piece. It is featured as the opening work in Disney's groundbreaking animated film Fantasia (1940), for which Stokowski and The Philadelphia Orchestra recorded the soundtrack.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
by Paul Dukas (1865-1935)
The music of The Sorcerer's Apprentice is recognized throughout the world with large thanks to Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Leopold Stokowski. Stokowski led the soundtrack for the Disney film Fantasia (1940), in which the animated mouse acts out the "story behind the music" of a magician's apprentice learning his craft. (Although The Philadelphia Orchestra performed all the soundtrack except The Sorcerer's Apprentice, the piece nevertheless soon became a Philadelphia signature piece.)
Piano Concert No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Featured Soloist: Andrè Watts, piano
Although born and educated in Russia, Sergei Rachmaninoff spent the final two decades of his life in the United States and died an American citizen. As much acclaimed as a public performer as he was revered for his popular classical compositions, Rachmaninoff appeared as a guest pianist with many symphony orchestras. He became a particular favorite of The Philadelphia Orchestra, for whom he came to show corresponding affection. Philadelphia gave the world premiere of four of Rachmaninoff's major works for orchestra (including two of his piano concertos) and the United States premieres of two other major orchestral works. He dedicated his Symphonic Dances to The Philadelphia Orchestra, which he described as "the finest orchestra the world has ever heard."
Fantasy on Bizet's Carmen (for violin and orchestra), Op. 25
by Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
Featured Soloist: Sarah Chang, violin
Sarasate's brilliant fantasy on themes from Bizet's Carmen was chosen to showcase Ms. Chang's artistry. The opera itself holds special significance within the history of Philadelphia's Academy of Music, where its American debut was given in 1878. Singers who have appeared in Carmen at the Academy include Emma Calvè, Placido Domingo, Rosalind Elias, Geraldine Farrar, Giovanni Martinelli, Robert Merrill, Ezio Pinza, Rosa Ponselle, Beverly Sills, Richard Tucker, and Shirley Verrett.
Old American Songs
by Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Featured Soloist: Thomas Hampson, baritone
American composer Aaron Copland appeared as a guest conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra on a number of occasions between 1961 and his death in 1990. His music has been featured at more than 250 of the Orchestra's concerts during the past half century. The world premiere of his Dance Symphony was given by The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1931.
Suite from The Firebird (1919 version)
by Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
The score to Stravinsky's celebrated Firebird ballet showcases the artistry of the famed "Philadelphia Sound," section by section, individually and together. Music from The Firebird has become one of The Philadelphia Orchestra's most requested signature pieces. As an orchestral showpiece, it is among the most often played works in the Orchestra's concert history and has been performed in well over half of the Orchestra's seasons. Its first appearance on a Philadelphia program was in 1917 (utilizing the composer's original Suite from 1910). With performances at home and on tour surrounding the Orchestra's Centennial Celebration, the Firebird has been included as part of nearly 500 Philadelphia Orchestra concerts.
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