Liszt, Lalo, & Saint-Saens

Les Préludes is the most popular and frequently-performed of Liszt’s pieces. Originally a work for male chorus, it introduces two main themes: the murmuring, relaxed horns and violas, followed by a more spirited section heralded by solo horn. Its various sections are marked by conceptual themes, including question, love, storm, bucolic calm, and battle & victory.

Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor features cellist Gary Hoffman. It showcases the instrument’s tremendous range, from deep bass tones to high-flying, bird-like melodies. Listeners will be on the edge of their seats as the breathtaking, quick tempi take the audience on an exhilarating ride.

The program’s finale, Saint- Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” is a bold romantic masterpiece. The composer himself considered it the pinnacle of his career, and its various elements are characteristic of his compositional style up to that point. It features virtuosic piano passages, lush, romantic orchestral writing, and a booming pipe organ that will fill any concert hall with glorious tones.