THE STORY BEHIND: Bacewicz's Overture

On February 25, Ruth Reinhardt and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will present TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO with violinist Maria Ioudenitch.

THE STORY BEHIND: Bacewicz's Overture
Title: Overture
Composer: Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)
Last time performed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic: This is a RI Philharmonic Orchestra premiere. This piece is scored for two flutes, piccolo, two oboes, two clarinets, bass clarinet, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion and strings. 

The Story: During the first half of the 20th century, women composers did not enjoy the liberal, open treatment and recognition they have achieved (gradually) during the second half and beyond. This “glass ceiling” situation was more pronounced in Eastern Europe than in Western society. Knowing this helps us to understand why the very talented Grazyna Bacewicz had to wait until 1945 to complete her first orchestral work, the present concert overture, and another four years before its premiere. Of course, she lived through the upheavals of two world wars and also other tragic events in her native Poland during that time. Society and the arts were often in a state of upheaval, making orchestras’ concert schedules unsure and suddenly changeable. Her education in Warsaw (Kazimierz Sikorski) and Paris (Nadia Boulanger) focused on composition and violin playing. Most of her adult life, Bacewicz made her living as a violinist. It was not until after WW II that, now married and living in Warsaw, she turned her attention professionally to composition.
       
This concert overture appears to be Bacewicz’s earliest completed composition for orchestra. Although its form follows the general outline of a Classical sonata-allegro, we do not need to follow the form moment-to-moment. Rather we can immerse ourselves in its brilliant orchestration, that is, its energy, many varied tone colors, and dynamic effects. It is a refreshing work, full of energy and excitement, balanced with some quieter segments.
       
In her lifetime, Bacewicz would compose four symphonies and numerous concertos and other orchestral works. And they are all led by this brilliant orchestral concert debut as a composer.

Program Notes by Dr. Michael Fink © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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