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The repertoire in our Striking and Beautiful concerts in Queensland comes to life through bold storytelling elements and lush soundscapes. From a surreal dance in a bygone era to the sweeping drama of heroism, each piece offers a strikingly unique experience. Let’s take a closer look at how these musical narratives unfold.
The Chairman Dances – John Adams
John Adams refers to The Chairman Dances as an “outtake” from his opera Nixon in China. In the composer’s words, the dance evokes ‘the irresistible image of a youthful Mao Tse-Tung dancing the foxtrot with his mistress Chiang Ch’ing, former B-movie queen and the future Madame Mao, the mind and spirit behind the Cultural Revolution.’
Listen out for…
The steady, rhythmic pulse of the orchestra at the opening of this “foxtrot for orchestra,” where John Adams’s minimalist style takes centre stage. Repeating patterns drive the music forward with mechanical precision, while unexpected accents—flutes, triangles, and other instruments—add playful interruptions, heightening the drama of this surreal dance where history and fantasy collide.
At the heart of the piece, Adams’s romantic sensibility emerges. Hear the violins take the lead, weaving smoother, lyrical lines that add a bittersweet touch of nostalgia to this otherwise energetic work. The piano and percussion gently echo the opening foxtrot theme, with the bass drum, sand block, and shaker mimicking the crackling sound of an old gramophone. This unusual ending captures the dance’s gradual dissolution—a final breath in a dreamlike world.
Fantaisie im Wintergarten – Elena Kats-Chernin
This concerto draws inspiration from the 1920s German silent film Varieté, which tells a tragic tale of love and betrayal set within the vibrant world of a fairground and circus. The film’s show scenes are set in the iconic Wintergarten theatre in Berlin, a venue that still exists today.
Listen out for…
The opening four-note tango motif in the violin’s lower register, which immediately sets a tone of urgency and drama. Fragmented and unsettling motives follow, evolving into a punchy, rhythmic dance. Shifting between two minor keys, this section amplifies the sense of chaos in the world of the fairground and circus.
The second movement unfolds with a more somber atmosphere. Notice the low woodwinds as they introduce melancholic, blues-infused phrases that set a reflective tone. The violin’s lyrical lines gently intertwine with the delicate strings, creating a sense of quiet introspection. The movement draws to a subdued close, with echoes of earlier motifs lingering like a distant memory.
In the third movement, Kats-Chernin’s dramatic “fatal climax” sequence casts a shadowy, cabaret-like spell. Listen for the return of the opening tango motif as it surges into a powerful orchestral statement. This energy dissolves into a poignant violin cadenza, and the piece concludes with a lament—quiet, unresolved, and hauntingly beautiful.
Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life) – Richard Strauss
Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben is a monumental symphonic poem that journeys through a hero’s adversaries, companionship, and inner struggles. While not autobiographical, this symphonic masterpiece reflects Strauss’s grandeur and weaves in themes from his earlier works.
Listen out for…
The bold and heroic opening theme, introduced by the cello section. The hero’s character is complex and multifaceted, revealed through intricate counterpoint and the inventive development of motifs. Just as the music reaches a mighty cadence, it is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of The Hero’s Adversaries.
Here, notice the flute introducing an agitated, biting motif representing the critics Strauss despised. The music takes on a snarling quality, with sharp staccato figures in the woodwinds and pompous, exaggerated intervals in the tubas. The hero attempts to ignore these distractions, but a commanding fanfare cuts through, demanding his attention.
Listen for the solo violin, embodying The Hero’s Companion—Strauss’s wife. Playful and tender, its wandering lines shift between acrobatic gestures and moments of warmth, painting a portrait of her vibrant and ever-changing character.
Now, cast your eyes to the brass as the fanfare returns, heralding The Hero’s Field of Battle. Snare drums begin their march, soon joined by a tempest of brass. Amid the turmoil, the hero’s theme resurfaces in the cello—now tangled but unwavering, a symbol of resilience.
Indulge in The Hero’s Works of Peace, where solo passages and delicate orchestral textures evoke reflection and tranquility. Yet, this moment of serenity is fleeting—a brief, brooding return of the brass hints at lingering conflict before the hero and his companion are reunited.
The work closes with The Hero’s Withdrawal from the World and Completion. After a long and introspective journey, the hero finds solace. A final, burnished chord marks the end of his epic journey.
Experience these captivating works live at our Striking and Beautiful concerts, where Australia’s finest young musicians take the stage under the baton of Kerem Hasan, joined by the brilliant Emily Sun as soloist.