Classical Music Goes Folk

· Copland: Appalachian Spring (original version for 13 instruments)

· Burgos de la Rosa: Habana Vieja (world premiere!)

· Harrison: Suite for Violin, Piano and Small Orchestra

          Julian Nguyen, violin; José Salazar, piano

· Tailleferre: Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra

          José Salazar, piano

From medieval times to today, classical composers have incorporated folk music or references to folk music in their work. This concert covers the globe.

Aaron Copland’s use of the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” is one of the most famous examples of incorporating folk themes into a classical score; this concert will feature the less frequently played original version for 13 instruments.

Similarly, Germaine Tailleferre – the only woman in the early 20th group of French composers called “Le Six” – weaves folk songs into her concerto. The version on this program has not been performed in over a century.

The American composer Lou Harrison, a great explorer of world music, was greatly inspired by Gamelan tunes of Southeast Asia. This piece has the feel of it, once again introducing new sounds to a traditional structure.

Contemporary Catalan composer Manel Burgos de La Rosa describes his new piece, written for MusicaNova, as an "illustration of the different rhythms that tell the story of the history of Havana. It has sections that could be titled Danzon, Habanera, Mambo and Guiro."