Concert: Paintings of Song

November 15, 2003, 7:30p.m.

One performance only!

The Music Center of the Northwest

Program

Eire’s Call (Tone Poem No. 3) (F. 131) An energetic, rhythmic portrayal of St. Patrick’s return to Ireland. Premiered by the Foss High School Orchestra, Andrea Bryant director, in a benefit concert at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Benaroya Hall in Seattle on May 15, 2003. This event was sponsored by the Composer Residency Program of the Seattle Composer’s Alliance in conjunction with Gilda’s Club of Seattle. (String Orchestra with Piano obbligato, 6:45) listen

Preludes for Piano (F. 110) In the spirit of Chopin, these five preludes cover a range of emotions, yet always maintain their mellow character. The set is composed to be played together. (Piano, 8:06)

Perceptions (F. 101) A thoughtful and scenic journey home, late one autumn evening. (Piano, Voice, 2:45)

The Crossing view score (F. 108) The tumultuous feelings of a broken relationship are expressed by the dissonant harmonies and beautiful blending of the instrumental colors. (String Quartet, Horn, Voice, 3:14) listen

Dry Gin Kiss (F. 119) A slow, jazzy song about the drudgery and desires of long-distance love. (Lyrics by Smith and Fraley.) (Piano, Double Bass, Voice, 2:42) listen

Only You (F. 111) In this romantic love song, the young lover tells of his earnest desire for his beloved, disavowing himself of the whole world, if need be. (Cello, Guitar, Voice, 3:10) listen

String Quartet No. 2 (The “Love Quartet”) (F. 123) is a richly textured piece, taking the listener on a journey from the longing and aching themes of the opening minor movement, through to the passionate and lyrical dances of the third movement. (String Quartet, 12:00) (i.) (ii.) (iii.)

i. Longing: Vivace; moderato The longing and aching themes of this opening minor movement introduce a unique form that creates a compelling interweaving of the three subjects. (4:53) listen

ii. Courtship: Vivace; allegro moderato follows the emotional rollercoaster of courtship: the excitement, trepidation, tenderness of a new romance. (3:37) listen

iii. Together: Fast dance a strongly rhythmic, yet lyrical, dance celebrates the joy of being together. (3:35) listen

A Thought for Your Penny (F. 106) If pennies had feelings, this humorous song is all about what they might just be thinking... (Piano, Voice, 1:40)

Piano Trio No. 1 (The “Fish Trio”) (F. 127) Fraley’s Piano Trio No. 1 is a musically serious piece that is hilarious—about a trout (think Schubert) in an aquarium (think Saint Saëns), and two hungry cats looking for a meal (think fun). This piece for piano and two violas was premiered at MAVI’s Aronoff Chamber Music Series on Tuesday, July 1, 2003. (Piano, two Violas -or- Violin+Viola -or- Violin+Cello, 6:30) listen

i. The Trout in the Aquarium opens with a musical portrait of the aquarium, borrowed from Saint Saëns’ charming Carnival of the Animals. This theme then transforms into the immediately recognizable melody from Franz Schubert’s Trout Quintet. (1:40) listen

ii. Adagio con la letargia di due gatti durante un caldo pomeriggio d’estate This movement, whose title translates: slowly, with the lethargy of two cats on a hot summer’s afternoon, introduces the two felines napping just outside the aquarium. (2:05) listen

iii. Mr. Trout, May I Introduce Mr. & Mrs. Cat? depicts the chaos that ensues once the wakened cats notice our fishy hero. Alas, if you listen closely to the end of this movement, you will hear the piano portray the fish’s last wiggle as the cats ensnare their prey. (1:45) listen

iv. Pleasant Dreams (Gravè for the Fish) finds the satiated kitties settling in for yet another snooze to after-dinner music provided by Frédéric Chopin. (1:25) listen

		Fraley Music, Inc.

Paintings of Song Program Performers Directions Tickets		[Information] - Concert Program - [Performers] - [Directions to Performance] - [Purchase Tickets] Concert: Paintings of Song November 15, 2003, 7:30p.m. One performance only! The Music Center of the Northwest Program Eire’s Call (Tone Poem No. 3) (F. 131) An energetic, rhythmic portrayal of St. Patrick’s return to Ireland. Premiered by the Foss High School Orchestra, Andrea Bryant director, in a benefit concert at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Benaroya Hall in Seattle on May 15, 2003. This event was sponsored by the Composer Residency Program of the Seattle Composer’s Alliance in conjunction with Gilda’s Club of Seattle. (String Orchestra with Piano obbligato, 6:45) listen Preludes for Piano (F. 110) In the spirit of Chopin, these five preludes cover a range of emotions, yet always maintain their mellow character. The set is composed to be played together. (Piano, 8:06) Perceptions (F. 101) A thoughtful and scenic journey home, late one autumn evening. (Piano, Voice, 2:45) The Crossing view score (F. 108) The tumultuous feelings of a broken relationship are expressed by the dissonant harmonies and beautiful blending of the instrumental colors. (String Quartet, Horn, Voice, 3:14) listen Dry Gin Kiss (F. 119) A slow, jazzy song about the drudgery and desires of long-distance love. (Lyrics by Smith and Fraley.) (Piano, Double Bass, Voice, 2:42) listen Only You (F. 111) In this romantic love song, the young lover tells of his earnest desire for his beloved, disavowing himself of the whole world, if need be. (Cello, Guitar, Voice, 3:10) listen String Quartet No. 2 (The “Love Quartet”) (F. 123) is a richly textured piece, taking the listener on a journey from the longing and aching themes of the opening minor movement, through to the passionate and lyrical dances of the third movement. (String Quartet, 12:00) (i.) (ii.) (iii.) i. Longing: Vivace; moderato The longing and aching themes of this opening minor movement introduce a unique form that creates a compelling interweaving of the three subjects. (4:53) listen ii. Courtship: Vivace; allegro moderato follows the emotional rollercoaster of courtship: the excitement, trepidation, tenderness of a new romance. (3:37) listen iii. Together: Fast dance a strongly rhythmic, yet lyrical, dance celebrates the joy of being together. (3:35) listen A Thought for Your Penny (F. 106) If pennies had feelings, this humorous song is all about what they might just be thinking... (Piano, Voice, 1:40) Piano Trio No. 1 (The “Fish Trio”) (F. 127) Fraley’s Piano Trio No. 1 is a musically serious piece that is hilarious—about a trout (think Schubert) in an aquarium (think Saint Saëns), and two hungry cats looking for a meal (think fun). This piece for piano and two violas was premiered at MAVI’s Aronoff Chamber Music Series on Tuesday, July 1, 2003. (Piano, two Violas -or- Violin+Viola -or- Violin+Cello, 6:30) listen i. The Trout in the Aquarium opens with a musical portrait of the aquarium, borrowed from Saint Saëns’ charming Carnival of the Animals. This theme then transforms into the immediately recognizable melody from Franz Schubert’s Trout Quintet. (1:40) listen ii. Adagio con la letargia di due gatti durante un caldo pomeriggio d’estate This movement, whose title translates: slowly, with the lethargy of two cats on a hot summer’s afternoon, introduces the two felines napping just outside the aquarium. (2:05) listen iii. Mr. Trout, May I Introduce Mr. & Mrs. Cat? depicts the chaos that ensues once the wakened cats notice our fishy hero. Alas, if you listen closely to the end of this movement, you will hear the piano portray the fish’s last wiggle as the cats ensnare their prey. (1:45) listen iv. Pleasant Dreams (Gravè for the Fish) finds the satiated kitties settling in for yet another snooze to after-dinner music provided by Frédéric Chopin. (1:25) listen This page was last updated on 23-Oct-2003.