Training Orchestra

Programme notes

Welcome to this afternoon’s presentations from Nottingham Youth Orchestra where the Training Orchestra will start proceedings.

1. Surprise Symphony (2nd Movement)

Haydn’s 94th symphony is one of a group known as the London Symphonies and got it’s nickname, the Surprise, from the sudden loud chord near the beginning.  In the 18th and early 19th centuries concerts were long and people were often lulled to sleep in the quiet movements.  Haydn is reputed to have said, “this will make the ladies jump.” This movement, the second of the whole symphony, comprises of four variations on a simple nursery rhyme type theme.

2. Rock Around The Clock

A complete contrast follows with “Rock Around The Clock”.  A very well-known piece from the ‘50s, recorded and made famous by Bill Haley and the Comets.

3. Matchmaker

In a small Jewish community, in the Ukraine, a poor milkman faces the challenges of marrying off his five daughters.  He is torn between his strong beliefs in tradition and allowing the girls to follow their hearts.  One of the girls sings a song hoping the village Matchmaker will “find me a find, catch me a catch.”

4. The Incredibles

The Incredibles are a family of superheroes forced to adopt mundane lives after their super-powered activities were banned by the government.  However, Mr Incredible longs for his life of adventure and gets the chance when he is summoned to battle with an out-of-control robot.  Things don’t go to plan and soon it’s up to the rest of the family to rescue him.

5. Finlandia

Sibelius is a Finnish composer and his soaring melodies and lush orchestrations evoke the wilderness and grandeur of the North.  In 1899, at a time when Finnish nationalism was running high, he wrote Finlandia for a fund-raising pageant.  The Finnish audiences were so profoundly moved by the music that the Czarist government was so worried it would stir political unrest,  performances were banned.

A very stark beginning leads us to a festive section which in turn gives way to the beautiful chorale, a pleading and patriotic melody.  The festive theme returns taking us into a grand coda.

6. Clash and Roar

A bold and vigorous Clash and Roar gives the percussion section a good workout and brings our part of the concert to a rip-roaring end.