A Concert Sneak Peek!!

Christopher Plaas will join the orchestra in several Christmas, Hanukkah, and seasonal favorites. His vibrant tenor voice has been enjoyed in operatic performances around the world, and now it will soar in Seeger Chapel. Plaas will sing two movements from “Dies Natalis” (Latin for birthday, anniversary) from a cantata by Gerald Finzi, and will also present the beloved holiday classics, “Ave Maria,” “Silver Bells,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

The concert will also feel like “coming home” because of the return of Josh Smith to the stage. Best known from his work on WJHL TV, Smith has shared his warm personality for several Johnson City Symphony Orchestra performances.

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Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Dance of the Tumblers is one of the most famous and vibrant pieces from his opera The Snow Maiden (Snegurochka), composed in 1880. The opera is based on a libretto by the composer himself, inspired by Russian folk tales and the legend of the Snow Maiden, a mythical figure made of snow who yearns for warmth and human connection.

Dance of the Tumblers appears in the second act of the opera, during a scene in which the titular Snow Maiden is invited to a festival in the Russian village. The tumblers, or acrobats, perform a lively and exuberant dance, accompanied by a dynamic and rhythmic orchestral score. The music is playful and fast-paced, conveying the energy and skill of the acrobats as they tumble and flip in a highly spirited manner.

Though Dance of the Tumblers is a short piece, it has become an iconic excerpt from the opera, often performed as a standalone concert piece. Its high-energy atmosphere and colorful orchestration make it a favorite among audiences and musicians alike.

In summary, Dance of the Tumblers is a brilliant example of Rimsky-Korsakov’s ability to create vivid, colorful music, filled with the exuberance and movement of the acrobatic performers. It encapsulates the spirit of Russian folk music and dance, and its infectious rhythm and delightful character have made it a lasting favorite in the classical repertoire.

Gerald Finzi: Dies Natalis, Op. 8

Dies Natalis ("Day of Birth") is a beautiful and evocative work for solo voice and orchestra, composed by Gerald Finzi in 1940. The text is drawn from the poetry of Thomas Traherne (1637–1674), a 17th-century English metaphysical poet and mystic, whose works express joy, wonder, and reverence for life and the natural world. The work reflects Finzi’s personal love of nature and spirituality, along with his poignant sensitivity to the beauty of the human experience.

The cycle is divided into six sections, each dealing with a different aspect of Traherne's meditations on birth, joy, and the wonder of life.

III. Rapture

The movement Rapture is marked by a sense of ecstatic joy and spiritual exaltation. The text describes the poet’s deep sense of amazement at the world and the divine presence he feels around him. Traherne’s words capture the profound, almost childlike awe of life’s beauty, which Finzi sets in music with a flowing, lyrical line that is rich with emotion.

V. The Salutation

In The Salutation, the mood shifts from the exuberance of Rapture to one of calm reverence. The text in this section is a greeting or salutation to the divine, expressed in a simple but profoundly moving way. It is a reflection on the miraculous nature of life, seen through the eyes of a person who perceives the world with pure wonder and gratitude.

Together, these two movements from Dies Natalis illustrate Finzi's gift for combining lyrical vocal lines with intricate orchestration, creating works that evoke profound emotional and spiritual experiences. While Rapture expresses the joy and ecstasy of divine discovery, The Salutation offers a contemplative, serene moment of reverence and thankfulness. Both movements showcase Finzi’s sensitivity to the human soul’s response to beauty and the divine, encapsulating the essence of Thomas Traherne’s poetry in sound.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71

The Nutcracker is one of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s most beloved works, renowned for its enchanting music and vivid orchestration. Premiered in 1892, the ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who is transported into a magical world on Christmas Eve. The ballet features a series of colorful scenes, and Tchaikovsky’s score is filled with memorable themes and delightful dances that have become iconic, particularly during the holiday season.

The ballet is divided into two acts, and the following scenes, Scenes 8 and 9, come from Act I. These movements are part of the transition into the magical world, where Clara’s Christmas dreams take flight.

Scene 8: Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree scene marks a pivotal moment in The Nutcracker, where Clara and the other characters witness the dramatic transformation of the Christmas tree. As the clock strikes midnight, the tree grows to an immense size, signaling the start of Clara’s magical adventure. The music here is characterized by a majestic and awe-inspiring quality, with sweeping strings and brass fanfares that evoke a sense of wonder and amazement.

The music builds in intensity, reflecting Clara's astonishment at the growing tree and the fantastical events unfolding around her. The theme grows in grandeur, and the sparkling character of the music mirrors the beauty and festivity of the holiday season. It is a brilliant display of Tchaikovsky’s ability to capture the feeling of childhood wonder and the transformative power of imagination.

Scene 9: Waltz of the Snowflakes

The Waltz of the Snowflakes is one of the most famous and beloved pieces from The Nutcracker, capturing the ethereal beauty of winter as Clara is transported into the snowy forest. After the magic of the Christmas tree, Clara finds herself surrounded by a flurry of snowflakes. The scene is graceful and delicate, with swirling melodies that evoke the image of snowflakes dancing in the cold, wintry air.

Both Scenes 8 and 9 from The Nutcracker embody Tchaikovsky’s genius for creating evocative, mood-setting music that elevates the ballet’s sense of magic and fantasy. The Christmas Tree scene brings to life the awe and wonder of the holiday season, while the Waltz of the Snowflakes immerses the listener in a delicate, enchanting winter landscape. These two scenes are key moments in Clara’s journey through the magical world, and their music remains some of the most iconic and enduring pieces of classical ballet repertoire.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (arr. Baynes): Christmas Overture, Op. 72

Originally composed in 1909, Christmas Overture by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor is a festive and joyful orchestral work that captures the spirit of Christmas. Coleridge-Taylor, a British composer of Afro-British descent, is best known for his orchestral works, including the Hiawatha's Wedding Feast and his symphonic poems. His Christmas Overture, though less widely known, is an exuberant and tuneful piece that is often performed during the holiday season.

The Christmas Overture is a lively and spirited work, filled with familiar Christmas carols and a sense of festive cheer. The piece was originally composed for a full orchestra, but it has since been arranged and edited by others, including the version by Ernest Baynes, which is commonly performed today. Baynes’ arrangement preserves the original exuberance and festive spirit while enhancing the clarity and brilliance of Coleridge-Taylor’s orchestral writing.

Throughout the piece, the composer weaves in several recognizable carols, transforming them with lush orchestral textures and vivid instrumentation. Notable carols such as Deck the Halls, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, and The First Noel are presented with bright, buoyant orchestrations. The melodies are given new life through Coleridge-Taylor's colorful orchestration, which features sweeping strings, shimmering woodwinds, and resplendent brass. The playful, rhythmic patterns evoke the merriment and excitement of the holiday season.

Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Marcel Calliet: Sheep May Safely Graze (BWV 208)

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze (Schafe können sicher weiden), BWV 208, is a charming and serene aria originally composed as part of his Hunt Cantata (BWV 208) in 1713. The cantata was written for the birthday of the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels, and its text, by Christian Friedrich Henrici (known as Picander), praises the Duke and celebrates the peaceful state of his rule. The aria "Sheep May Safely Graze" is one of the most beloved moments in the cantata, capturing the peaceful, pastoral setting that Bach so masterfully evokes.

The melody of this aria is known for its gentle, flowing quality, and its pastoral character is highlighted by the lyrical use of the strings and the delicate accompaniment. It’s a vivid musical portrayal of calm and safety, as the text itself speaks of sheep grazing peacefully in a field, free from danger, under the protective care of a shepherd.

"Silver Bells" is a classic Christmas song written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston in 1941. It has since become a holiday standard, loved for its warmth and festive charm. The song was originally composed for a Christmas musical but later became widely known after its first performance by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the 1942 film The Lemon Drop Kid. The lyrics describe the joy and bustling atmosphere of the holiday season, with imagery of snowflakes, busy streets, and the iconic sound of church bells ringing in the winter air.

Program Notes for "O Holy Night" arranged by Adam, arranged by Custer

"O Holy Night," composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847, is one of the most powerful and revered carols of the Christmas season. The music is accompanied by a poem written by Placide Cappeau, which reflects on the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of redemption. First performed in France, the carol has since become a beloved piece sung worldwide, known for its soaring melody and profound message of hope, peace, and divine love.

This arrangement by Custer takes Adam’s original composition and infuses it with a new vibrancy while preserving the timeless reverence of the piece. Custer’s version often enhances the expressive qualities of the melody, using dynamic contrasts, rich harmonies, and strategic phrasing to capture the emotional depth of the lyrics. The arrangement may feature a wide range of instruments or voices, with intricate layering that highlights the grandeur of the song.

Ultimately, Custer’s arrangement of "O Holy Night" serves as a heartfelt tribute to the sacred message of Christmas, enriching the listener’s experience with a beautiful blend of tradition and new expression.

Program Notes for "Festive Sounds of Hanukkah" arranged by Holcombe

"Festive Sounds of Hanukkah," arranged by Holcombe, is a vibrant and energetic celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. The holiday is marked by the lighting of the menorah, the playing of games, and the enjoyment of traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, along with festive music.

Holcombe’s arrangement captures the joyous spirit of this special occasion, blending traditional Hanukkah melodies with a lively, contemporary style. The piece features an array of rhythmic patterns and bright, bold instrumental textures that evoke the celebratory atmosphere of the holiday. By combining familiar Jewish tunes with dynamic arrangements, Holcombe brings new energy to these beloved songs, creating a rendition that is both festive and engaging.

Program Notes for "Ave Maria" arranged by Dean

"Ave Maria" is one of the most well-known and revered pieces in the classical choral and vocal repertoire. Originally composed by Franz Schubert in 1825 as part of his Opus 52, this piece was initially written as a setting of the Latin prayer "Hail Mary" and was intended for voice and piano. Schubert’s melodic and lyrical treatment of the text, paired with its deep reverence, has made it a beloved work in both sacred and secular contexts.

The arrangement by Dean brings a fresh interpretation to Schubert's timeless composition, while maintaining the work’s sacred and emotional depth. Dean's version typically features rich harmonies, dynamic phrasing, and nuanced orchestration that enhance the piece’s meditative and serene qualities.

Dean’s "Ave Maria" offers a beautiful opportunity for reflection, reverence, and musical expression, making it an enduring favorite in both concert and liturgical settings.

Program Notes for "Holiday for Strings" (Full Orchestra Version) by Paul Rose

"Holiday for Strings," composed by Paul Rose, is a lively and exuberant orchestral piece that captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. First written in 1943, the piece has since become a popular favorite, known for its joyful melodies, rhythmic vitality, and bright orchestration. Rose's work is a celebration of the warmth and cheer that characterize the holiday season, blending elements of classical music with a lighthearted, almost cinematic charm.

In this full orchestra version, "Holiday for Strings" is expanded to bring out a rich, fuller sound, utilizing the full range of the orchestral palette. "Holiday for Strings" is a perfect example of how music can evoke the universal joy of the holiday season. The full orchestra version allows for an expansive sonic experience, making it an ideal piece to bring festive energy to holiday concerts and celebrations. Through its engaging melodies and rich textures, "Holiday for Strings" remains a timeless celebration of the holidays in a truly orchestral setting.

Program Notes for "Christmas Singalong" arranged by Finnegan

"Christmas Singalong," arranged by Finnegan, is a joyful and engaging medley that brings together some of the most beloved Christmas carols, inviting listeners and performers alike to participate in the holiday spirit. This arrangement is designed to be accessible and fun, featuring a collection of familiar, festive tunes that have become staples of the Christmas season. From classic carols to playful melodies, "Christmas Singalong" offers a heartwarming musical journey through the holiday traditions.

Among the carols included in this arrangement are timeless favorites like "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Finnegan’s skillful blending of these tunes creates a seamless flow, with dynamic transitions and playful touches that keep the energy high throughout.

"Christmas Singalong" is an ideal piece for holiday performances, school concerts, or community gatherings, offering a fun and inclusive way to celebrate the season. Its spirited and uplifting character captures the essence of Christmas and the joy of sharing music with others, making it a festive highlight for any holiday event.

Program Notes for "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" arranged by Dean

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," originally composed by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane in 1943, is a beloved holiday classic that has resonated with generations of listeners. First introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis, the song's heartfelt lyrics and tender melody convey a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and hope, making it a staple of the Christmas season.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in this arrangement is perfect for a holiday concert or intimate performance, offering a moment of reflection amidst the seasonal bustle. With its timeless message of joy and togetherness, Dean’s rendition invites listeners to embrace the spirit of the holidays and cherish the warmth of family and friends.

Program Notes for "Around the World at Christmas Time" arranged by Chase

"Around the World at Christmas Time," arranged by Chase, is a festive and vibrant medley that takes listeners on a musical journey through different global traditions and holiday celebrations. This lively arrangement brings together familiar Christmas songs from various cultures and regions, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that showcase the universal joy of the holiday season.

Chase’s arrangement is skillfully crafted to reflect the diversity of Christmas music around the world. The medley may include well-known carols such as "Jingle Bells" from the United States, "Feliz Navidad" from Puerto Rico, "O Tannenbaum" from Germany, and "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) from Austria, among others. Each section of the arrangement transitions seamlessly into the next, introducing the unique rhythms, harmonies, and musical styles that define each cultural tradition.

The arrangement features lively instrumentation, with bright brass, rhythmic percussion, and lush strings or woodwinds to bring out the festive energy of the music. Chase’s careful orchestration adds layers of texture and depth, giving each carol a distinct voice while maintaining a cohesive and celebratory overall sound.

"Around the World at Christmas Time" is designed to bring a sense of inclusivity and global unity to the holiday season, showing that the spirit of Christmas transcends borders and brings people together through song. This arrangement is ideal for holiday concerts or performances where diverse audiences can appreciate the international flavors of Christmas music. Chase’s arrangement offers an exciting and heartwarming way to celebrate the global joy and togetherness that characterize this special time of year.