When humans reach life’s and work’s final chapter (for most artists life and work are synonymous) thoughts often turn to afterlife, and what one may do to get on the right side of God — even the non-believer.
Richard Wagner (1813-1883) influenced and completely reshaped classical music via his epic operas for which he wrote the texts, music and built a massive theater. Throughout much of his life Wagner, was an atheist laced with some Buddism, while his operatic subject matter revolved around Norse and Germanic mythology. He told his wife Cosima that his “last card” (final work) would focus on the Christian-themed tale of Parsifal, and the reuniting of the Holy Grail, the cup Christ used at the Last Supper, and the spear, which pierced Jesus’s side on the cross.
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896), a devout Catholic throughout his life, began as a organist and composer of church and choral music. His first hearing of Wagner moved him to become somewhat of a “fan-boy,” as Wagner’s sound and expanse of musical boundaries greatly influenced Bruckner’s foray into writing symphonies. Bruckner attended Parsifal’s premiere and met with his idol afterwards, shortly before Wagner’s death. Bruckner dedicated his final work, his Symphony No. 9, to “the beloved God” It was first heard posthumously in 1903.
The KSO opens its program Swan Songs with the U.S. premiere of an orchestral suite from Parsifal (constructed by Andrew Gourlay) with luminous, hypnotic music from all three acts. Bruckner’s 3-movement, unfinished symphony features four Wagner tubas, and closes book on the opuses of two romantic masters and their respective hat- tips to the Creator.
“When the opportunity to present an Eastertide program fell through, I looked for something that would provide a challenge, while filling the thematic hole for which we had been planned,” explained KSO music director, James Cassidy.
The KSO sets out to prove it can wrestle the heavyweights in this all-orchestral farewell to Dick and Tony — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Greaves Concert Hall on the campus of NKU. For additional info and tickets — kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216.
