The Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra aims to channel the invigorating energy, splendor and emotional of classical masterpieces in its Saturday performance, even as the paralytic chill of winter besets New England.
In its fall term concert, the DSO will deliver three classical works. The group will open with the overture to Mozart’s abidingly popular “The Marriage of Figaro” (K. 492), followed by Brahms’ lone “Violin Concerto in D Major” (Op. 77), featuring a solo from Emily Hyun ’13. The orchestra will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.
After polling its members and deliberating, the group’s officers and conductor Anthony Princiotti selected this repertoire for its practicality and for the overall musical experience, orchestra general and recruiting manager Kevin Chen ’15 said.
“‘The Marriage of Figaro’ is a great piece to, you know, raise the curtains, so to speak, on a concert,” Chen said. “It’s very well known. It’s very exciting and easily palatable for the audience.”
After the jubilance of Mozart’s overture, the violin concerto presents a “very heartfelt,” even “romantic,” mood, Hyun said.
“In some ways that makes it different from other Brahms music, which some people would describe as being emotionally more restrained,” Hyun said. “It’s a bit more free.”
Hyun, who studies medicine at Yale University, played in the DSO as an undergraduate at Dartmouth. This solo, which she said is demanding in length and intensity, marks a return to the group that was essential in her college experience.
Student manager Lindsey Lam ’15 praised Hyun, saying that she has always been a “strong leader” within the group.
After the conclusion of Brahms’ concerto and a brief intermission, the DSO will finish Saturday’s concert with a rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.
The work, Chen said, is underrecognized, sandwiched between two of his most famous symphonies, Chen said.
“In terms of musical education,” Chen said, “Beethoven is always a fantastic learning experience.”
Student manager Erica Westenberg ’15 lauded Princiotti for his proficiency in preparing the DSO. The conductor holds the group to high standards and “doesn’t compromise” what is best for the orchestra, she said.
Matthew Marsit, Darmtouth Wind Ensemble director, said he expected the concert’s recognizable lineup to be well-received by students and other audiences.
“Something that Maestro Princiotti and our orchestra do well is pay great homage to the most important masterworks in music’s history,” Marsit said.
Princiotti declined to comment on this weekend’s concert.
This December, the DSO will transport this concert’s repertoire on a nine-day tour to Bosnia, Serbia and Hungary.
“The quality that European audiences expect and hope for is very high, and the reward is also greater because you know they have those high standards,” Chen said of the winter tour.
The concert will take place Saturday at 8 p.m. in Spaulding Auditorium.
