National Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsal with Cristoph Eschenbach

NSO_Cuesheet_Final:Layout 1

12/22/10

David M. Rubenstein Chairman Michael M. Kaiser President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education

Christoph Eschenbach Music Director General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season.

The National Symphony Orchestra performances of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration are supported through the generosity of Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire and Jehan-Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire.

The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration is the 2011 Rubenstein Program and is made possible through the generosity of David and Alice Rubenstein.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA O P E N R E H EAR SAL WITH C H R I S TO P H E S C H E N B A C H

featuring music by Peter Lieberson, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin

Additional support is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Altria Group, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, and David Gregory and Beth Wilkinson.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Meet Christoph Eschenbach He’s the new music director leading the NSO, and you can call him “maestro.” That’s because he’s mastered conducting orchestras and playing the piano all over the world. He believes music is one of the strongest forces known to man, and he’s also committed to fostering young musicians. Washingtonian magazine calls him “one of the most exciting classical conductors of the day.”

Gifts and grants to the National Symphony Orchestra Education Programs are provided by Sandra K. and Clement C. Alpert; The Theodore H. Barth Foundation, Inc.; The Clark Charitable Foundation; Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation; The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.; The Charles Engelhard Foundation; MLKA Foundation, Inc.; National Trustees of the National Symphony Orchestra; Park Foundation, Inc.; Mrs. Irene Pollin; Mr. Albert H. Small; Washington Gas; the U.S. Department of Education; and the Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund.

Additional support for the Kennedy Center Education Department is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Verizon Foundation, Mr. Martin K. Alloy and Ms. Daris M. Clifton, the Carter and Melissa Cafritz Charitable Trust, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Clark Charitable Foundation, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Fight for Children, The President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts, National Committee for the Performing Arts, and Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk.

Peter Lieberson’s Remembering JFK: An American Elegy is a commission of the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C., Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director, through a generous gift from the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund for New Orchestral Works.

About the NSO The NSO numbers 100 musicians and is performing its 80th season. It has performed at the Kennedy Center every year since the venue opened in 1971, and in 1986 became formally affiliated with the Kennedy Center.

Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE, a program of the Kennedy Center Education Department. ARTSEDGE is a part of Verizon Thinkfinity, a consortium of free educational Web sites for K-12 teaching and learning.

For more about the performing arts and arts education, visit the Kennedy Center’s Education Department online at www.kennedy-center.org/education The U.S. Department of Education supports approximately one-third of the budget for the Kennedy Center Education Department. The contents of this Cuesheet do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

© 2011 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Performances for Young Audiences is made possible by

PERFORMANCE GUIDE

Attending an open rehearsal differs from attending an actual concert, though your role as a quiet listener is the same. That’s because the orchestra is here to work—to practice and perfect their playing for the public performance. The conductor might stop the orchestra and repeat passages or pieces, or the orchestra might not rehearse the entire program. Afterward, conductor Christoph Eschenbach will join you for a Question and Answer session. Have your questions—such as about the NSO and his life as a conductor and pianist—ready for him.

Page 4

Cuesheet

ATTENDING THE OPEN REHEARSAL

1:21 PM

NSO_Cuesheet_Final:Layout 1

12/22/10

1:21 PM

Page 2

ABOUT THE CONCERT PROGRAM

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

by Leonard Bernstein

C O M M E M O R AT I N G A N H I STO R I C C O N C E R T On January 19, 1961, snow fell all around the nation’s capital on the eve of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy made their way by motorcade to the inaugural concert, performed by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). The program included a specially commissioned overture, a choral work featuring writings of Thomas Jefferson, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with renowned pianist Earl Wild. Fifty years later, the NSO has planned a special musical program* to reflect the original concert and Kennedy’s historic inauguration. *You may not hear all these pieces performed during the rehearsal; see page 4 for more about the rehearsal.

Remembering JFK: An American Elegy

by Peter Lieberson A World Premiere Composition Commissioned by the NSO, award-winning American composer Peter Lieberson has created a brand new work including both music and spoken words. The performance begins with Ted Sorensen Remembers JFK, a short film by Joseph Horowitz and Peter Bogdanoff that includes news footage and an interview with President Kennedy’s friend and speechwriter Ted Sorensen (who died in 2010). Following the film, the music features a narrator reading excerpts from several of Kennedy’s speeches.

Listen for…

■ the emotions the music conveys ■ some of Kennedy’s most memorable words, including, “For those to whom much is given, much is required” and “Ask not what your country can do for you— ask what you can do for your country.”

COVER: PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND HIS WIFE (FORE, IN SHADOW) AT A PRE-INAUGURAL CONCERT. PHOTO COURTESY OF TIME & LIFE PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES

Fanfare for the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy

by Leonard Bernstein (1918–90) Many Americans were enthusiastic and hopeful about Kennedy’s inauguration, and you can hear that in this short fanfare (a brief and lively piece featuring brass instruments). It was written by famed composer and Kennedy friend Leonard Bernstein (pronounced BURN-stine) for the post-concert inaugural gala.

Listen for…

■ the instrumentation (hint: it’s not just brass) ■ the contrasting soft and loud playing

Around the time of Kennedy’s presidency, Americans were captivated by West Side Story, a recasting of Romeo and Juliet as a musical set among rival Puerto Rican (“Sharks”) and white (“Jets”) gangs in New York City. This tragic love story between Maria and Tony broke new ground on Broadway with its extended dance sequences and sophisticated lyrics and music. Symphonic Dances, Bernstein’s orchestral arrangement of some of the dance music, premiered in 1961 and includes these dances that tell parts of the story: Prologue, the gangs’ rivalry grows “Somewhere,” in a dream, the gang members become friends, and…

Scherzo, escape the city Mambo, back to reality, gang members competitively dance Cha-Cha (“Maria”), Maria and Tony first see each other Meeting Scene, the lovers exchange words “Cool” Fugue, the Jets try to restrain their anger Rumble, a gang battle leads to tragedy Finale, recalling the hopes, now dashed, expressed in “Somewhere” Listen for… instruments that lend Latin sounds, including maracas, finger cymbals, and bongo drums ■ the recurrent harsh or jarring tones that suggest tension and conflict between the two gangs ■

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN VACHON FOR LOOK MAGAZINE, IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, LOOK MAGAZINE COLLECTION.

Piano Concerto in F

by George Gershwin (1898–1937) with special guest pianist Tzimon Barto Recalling the original inaugural concert performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the program features another of Gershwin’s orchestral pieces with piano, the Piano Concerto in F, with virtuoso pianist Tzimon Barto (TZEE-mone BAR-toh). Both compositions pleased audiences with their jazzy elements, and the Piano Concerto is considered by many to be Gershwin’s finest orchestral work.

Listen for…

■ the way the themes build and vary across the piece’s three movements ■ the bluesy elements in the second movement

NSO_Cuesheet_Final:Layout 1

12/22/10

1:21 PM

Page 2

ABOUT THE CONCERT PROGRAM

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

by Leonard Bernstein

C O M M E M O R AT I N G A N H I STO R I C C O N C E R T On January 19, 1961, snow fell all around the nation’s capital on the eve of John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy made their way by motorcade to the inaugural concert, performed by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). The program included a specially commissioned overture, a choral work featuring writings of Thomas Jefferson, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with renowned pianist Earl Wild. Fifty years later, the NSO has planned a special musical program* to reflect the original concert and Kennedy’s historic inauguration. *You may not hear all these pieces performed during the rehearsal; see page 4 for more about the rehearsal.

Remembering JFK: An American Elegy

by Peter Lieberson A World Premiere Composition Commissioned by the NSO, award-winning American composer Peter Lieberson has created a brand new work including both music and spoken words. The performance begins with Ted Sorensen Remembers JFK, a short film by Joseph Horowitz and Peter Bogdanoff that includes news footage and an interview with President Kennedy’s friend and speechwriter Ted Sorensen (who died in 2010). Following the film, the music features a narrator reading excerpts from several of Kennedy’s speeches.

Listen for…

■ the emotions the music conveys ■ some of Kennedy’s most memorable words, including, “For those to whom much is given, much is required” and “Ask not what your country can do for you— ask what you can do for your country.”

COVER: PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND HIS WIFE (FORE, IN SHADOW) AT A PRE-INAUGURAL CONCERT. PHOTO COURTESY OF TIME & LIFE PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES

Fanfare for the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy

by Leonard Bernstein (1918–90) Many Americans were enthusiastic and hopeful about Kennedy’s inauguration, and you can hear that in this short fanfare (a brief and lively piece featuring brass instruments). It was written by famed composer and Kennedy friend Leonard Bernstein (pronounced BURN-stine) for the post-concert inaugural gala.

Listen for…

■ the instrumentation (hint: it’s not just brass) ■ the contrasting soft and loud playing

Around the time of Kennedy’s presidency, Americans were captivated by West Side Story, a recasting of Romeo and Juliet as a musical set among rival Puerto Rican (“Sharks”) and white (“Jets”) gangs in New York City. This tragic love story between Maria and Tony broke new ground on Broadway with its extended dance sequences and sophisticated lyrics and music. Symphonic Dances, Bernstein’s orchestral arrangement of some of the dance music, premiered in 1961 and includes these dances that tell parts of the story: Prologue, the gangs’ rivalry grows “Somewhere,” in a dream, the gang members become friends, and…

Scherzo, escape the city Mambo, back to reality, gang members competitively dance Cha-Cha (“Maria”), Maria and Tony first see each other Meeting Scene, the lovers exchange words “Cool” Fugue, the Jets try to restrain their anger Rumble, a gang battle leads to tragedy Finale, recalling the hopes, now dashed, expressed in “Somewhere” Listen for… instruments that lend Latin sounds, including maracas, finger cymbals, and bongo drums ■ the recurrent harsh or jarring tones that suggest tension and conflict between the two gangs ■

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN VACHON FOR LOOK MAGAZINE, IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, LOOK MAGAZINE COLLECTION.

Piano Concerto in F

by George Gershwin (1898–1937) with special guest pianist Tzimon Barto Recalling the original inaugural concert performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the program features another of Gershwin’s orchestral pieces with piano, the Piano Concerto in F, with virtuoso pianist Tzimon Barto (TZEE-mone BAR-toh). Both compositions pleased audiences with their jazzy elements, and the Piano Concerto is considered by many to be Gershwin’s finest orchestral work.

Listen for…

■ the way the themes build and vary across the piece’s three movements ■ the bluesy elements in the second movement

NSO_Cuesheet_Final:Layout 1

12/22/10

David M. Rubenstein Chairman Michael M. Kaiser President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education

Christoph Eschenbach Music Director General Dynamics is the proud sponsor of the National Symphony Orchestra Classical Season.

The National Symphony Orchestra performances of The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration are supported through the generosity of Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire and Jehan-Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire.

The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration is the 2011 Rubenstein Program and is made possible through the generosity of David and Alice Rubenstein.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA O P E N R E H EAR SAL WITH C H R I S TO P H E S C H E N B A C H

featuring music by Peter Lieberson, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin

Additional support is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Altria Group, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, and David Gregory and Beth Wilkinson.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Meet Christoph Eschenbach He’s the new music director leading the NSO, and you can call him “maestro.” That’s because he’s mastered conducting orchestras and playing the piano all over the world. He believes music is one of the strongest forces known to man, and he’s also committed to fostering young musicians. Washingtonian magazine calls him “one of the most exciting classical conductors of the day.”

Gifts and grants to the National Symphony Orchestra Education Programs are provided by Sandra K. and Clement C. Alpert; The Theodore H. Barth Foundation, Inc.; The Clark Charitable Foundation; Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation; The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.; The Charles Engelhard Foundation; MLKA Foundation, Inc.; National Trustees of the National Symphony Orchestra; Park Foundation, Inc.; Mrs. Irene Pollin; Mr. Albert H. Small; Washington Gas; the U.S. Department of Education; and the Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund.

Additional support for the Kennedy Center Education Department is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Verizon Foundation, Mr. Martin K. Alloy and Ms. Daris M. Clifton, the Carter and Melissa Cafritz Charitable Trust, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, The Clark Charitable Foundation, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Fight for Children, The President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts, National Committee for the Performing Arts, and Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk.

Peter Lieberson’s Remembering JFK: An American Elegy is a commission of the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C., Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director, through a generous gift from the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund for New Orchestral Works.

About the NSO The NSO numbers 100 musicians and is performing its 80th season. It has performed at the Kennedy Center every year since the venue opened in 1971, and in 1986 became formally affiliated with the Kennedy Center.

Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE, a program of the Kennedy Center Education Department. ARTSEDGE is a part of Verizon Thinkfinity, a consortium of free educational Web sites for K-12 teaching and learning.

For more about the performing arts and arts education, visit the Kennedy Center’s Education Department online at www.kennedy-center.org/education The U.S. Department of Education supports approximately one-third of the budget for the Kennedy Center Education Department. The contents of this Cuesheet do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

© 2011 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Performances for Young Audiences is made possible by

PERFORMANCE GUIDE

Attending an open rehearsal differs from attending an actual concert, though your role as a quiet listener is the same. That’s because the orchestra is here to work—to practice and perfect their playing for the public performance. The conductor might stop the orchestra and repeat passages or pieces, or the orchestra might not rehearse the entire program. Afterward, conductor Christoph Eschenbach will join you for a Question and Answer session. Have your questions—such as about the NSO and his life as a conductor and pianist—ready for him.

Page 4

Cuesheet

ATTENDING THE OPEN REHEARSAL

1:21 PM