Brahm's 4th, Copland's Clarinet Concerto and a Suite March 26, 2011

Clarinetist Joe Bonfiglio joins the Livermore-Amador Symphony for a performance of Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto on Saturday, March 26, at 8:00 p.m. at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore. The program will also feature the Symphony No. 4 of Johannes Brahms and The Wasps, Aristophanic Suite by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Highlighting the performance is the Copland Clarinet Concerto which has become a masterwork of the clarinet repertoire. It was commissioned by Benny Goodman, the legendary "King of Swing", in 1947. Mr. Goodman gave the world premiere performance in 1950.

Mr. Bonfiglio described the Copland concerto as, "a classical piece of music that incorporates elements of jazz". The jazz elements become more prominent in the cadenza and the second movement. At times; however, Copland gives the soloist material that seems well suited for a jazzy freedom of expression, yet remains constrained by note values that are relaxed, yet without authorization for swing. Some artists prefer a freer interpretation, yet Mr. Bonfiglio believes that "too much jazziness and ornamentation cheapens it". He pointed out that Benny Goodman's rendition of the concerto is among the "straightest" he has ever heard.

Mr. Bonfiglio will share his memories of Harold Wright, Stanley Drucker, and Aaron Copland in a pre-concert talk at 7:00 p.m. prior to the performance. Dr. Arthur Barnes, Music Director, will discuss the The Wasps, Aristophanic Suite. Peter Curzon, the Symphony's "in-house" musicologist, will speak about Brahms' Symphony No 4.

Official Website: http://livermoreperformingarts.org