In its February 2-3 concerts entitled “Diary of the Soul”, the GSO explores the spirit of three great composers. When a great artist creates, he speaks from the depths of his own inner spirit. The resulting works are like a diary of his inner adventure. 

The concert starts with Bach’s Orchestral Suite #3. Bach’s work combines supreme craftsmanship with deep human feeling. He adhered to techniques and styles increasingly considered out of fashion during his life-time. But his greatness made it seem like all previous music had led to him. He was a culminator of the past, but at the same time there are elements of his music which foreshadow many later developments. And so Schumann’s famous remark is close to the truth: “Music owes almost as much to Bach as Christianity does to its founder.” As organist and music supervisor to as many as four churches in
Leipzig, often composing new music for services every week, his religious music amounts to a vast output. But his purely instrumental music reflects that great spirituality as well. The orchestral

begins with festive sounds, after which comes the famous and beloved “Air on the G String”. This piece alone has been a spiritual solace to many, and its serenity speaks of Bach’s own deepest feelings. The suite ends with joyous dances. 

It is fitting to continue this program with music of Mendelssohn, who rediscovered Bach for the 19th Century after much neglect. We are thrilled to have our special friend, Stephanie Chase, return to
Greenwich for a performance of Mendelssohn’s beautiful Violin Concerto. Mendelssohn is one of the few composers in history who can be truly considered happy for most of his life. Felix was the perfect first name for him. His Violin Concerto is the perfect expression of his happy inner nature. After a brilliant and lyrical first movement, comes the deeply poetic slow movement, and the concerto ends with a finale of pure joy. 

Stephanie Chase, top prizewinner at the Tchaikovsky International Competition in
Moscow and a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, is a remarkably versatile musician who excels in both the standard virtuosic repertoire and period instrument practice. Her concerto repertoire of over fifty-five works features many 20th century composers.   

The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony. Here, the inner adventure is very different. He himself said that his work was a process of exorcising his inner demons. But he almost always ended in triumph. The great 4th Symphony starts with the famous brass fanfare announcing the motive of fate. The symphony moves through conflict, melancholy, dreams, to final happiness. In the finale, one merges with the music of a boisterous folk festival, which becomes a symbol for all of humanity. 

These concerts will be presented on Saturday, February 2, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 3, at 4 p.m. at Greenwich High School Auditorium.  Associate Conductor
Patricia Handy will present a pre-concert lecture one hour before each concert.  Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for students and can be purchased at the door or by calling the Symphony office at 203 869-2664.

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