Each of the selections centers around the theme of transformation, according to director Anthony Princiotti. While some pieces feature this theme musically, as in Paul Hindemith's modernized take on early 19th century piano pieces ("Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber"), other works are more figurative, as in "Mother Goose."
"Mother Goose" features narration by Upper Valley actress Rebecca Waxman, who will read sections of the tale embedded in Ravel's score. Waxman will also recite the poem that served as the basis for Dvorak's "Noon Witch," providing some context to the music through an examination of the composer's inspiration.
The music featured in this term's concert is more technically challenging than it has been in the past, according to several members of the DSO.
"Ravel is like Mozart in that as you start to clear away debris, more debris appears," Princiotti told his players during rehearsal Monday night.
The rest of the program is no less challenging, especially in the context of the classical genre, which relies heavily on precision and adherence to the written score, Princiotti said.
Even the slightest deviation from a score's musical notation can change the idea it is intended to convey, he said. Students cannot focus solely on the artistic content of the music, but must pay strict attention to the mathematical aspects of timing as well, according to Princiotti.
"It presents the challenge of measuring up, the challenge that you have to start using parts of your brain that aren't musical," Princiotti explained.
Three full days of rehearsal prior to the start of Fall term and a European tour at the beginning of winter break prepared the players for the more rigorous rehearsal schedule this term, he said.
The tour, which brought the orchestra to packed houses in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, also helped the group develop a sense of unity, according to Lisel Murdock '09, Tricia Jo '09 and Emily Ulrich '11, all members of the DSO.
Ulrich credited Princiotti's ability to break the music down into digestible portions with helping DOS members achieve a more complete understanding of the all of the concert's selections.
"It's like a guided tour of the inside of the music," she said.
The DSO hopes to take audiences on this guided tour through the sometimes inscrutable world of classical music during its concert Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. in Spaulding Auditorium.
Princiotti will host a pre-performance discussion beginning at 7 p.m. in the Faulkner Recital Hall.
