Program Notes: Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations

Variations on a Rococo Theme is the closest Tchaikovsky ever came to writing a cello concerto. Scored for a reduced orchestra, the Variations assume a chamber-like texture and balance the sweetness of the classical style with a romantic warmth, the soloist never leaving the spotlight − much less having a moment to rest. The program opens with the tone poem Elegia Andina by Gabriele Lena Frank. She was born hearing impaired, yet the Washington Post recently named her one of the 35 most significant women composers in history. Kodaly’s began collecting tunes for his Dances of Galánta while living in the town of Galánta, and the music captures the boisterous nature of the dances that came from them. Rounding out the program is Bizet’s Carmen Suites Nos. 1 & 2. The tunes are played in reverse order of the opera, but no matter − their infectious charm works in any arrangement.

These audio program notes include music excerpts.

Masterworks 6 of the 24/25 Season
Performances Jan 24 & 25, 2025