Classic Ross Amico

Tag: Philadelphia Orchestra

Eugene Ormandy Underrated Maestro

What’s the big deal about this guy, Jenő Blau? Well, you probably know him better by his adopted name, Eugene Ormandy.

Ormandy, a Hungarian-born violinist, who had studied with Jenő Hubay (for whom he was named), became a naturalized American citizen in 1927. He ultimately wound up directing the Philadelphia Orchestra for 44 years. In that capacity, he became one of the world’s most-recorded conductors.

However, in some respects, he remains a vastly underrated one. Sure, he was a superb interpreter of 19th century and post-romantic classics, but he also championed much contemporary music and new works written by his adopted countrymen. Also, if there was a more sensitive accompanist in the concerto repertoire, I don’t know of him.

Join me this afternoon, from 4 to 6 EST, as we honor Eugene Ormandy on the anniversary of his birth (in 1899), on WWFM – The Classical Network and at wwfm.org.

November 18, 2016
Brass Practice Hack by Philly Trumpeter

Okay, this one is for the brass nerds among you.

A few weeks back, I posted a cartoon by Jeffrey Curnow, associate principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. I suppose it shouldn’t come as any surprise that he would be just as witty and inventive in real life. Here’s a YouTube video he whipped together demonstrating his unique solution to the challenges of practicing on the road.

Phil Smith, in case you don’t know, is principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. Joseph Alessi is the Philharmonic’s principal trombone. Matthew Vaughn is co-principal trombone of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Now that you’ve been forearmed with that brassy esoterica, enjoy!

More Curnow Cartoons and doctored photos on Jeffrey Curnow’s Facebook page.

OMG! He attended Wilson Area High School. As a native Eastonian, I would say that explains a lot.

November 12, 2016
Philadelphia Orchestra Strike Halts Opening Night

For the first time since 1996, the Philadelphia Orchestra is on strike. Musicians walk out one hour before the Opening Night Gala.

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-arts/Philadelphia-Orchestra-votes-to-strike.html

October 1, 2016
Jay Krush Trombone Concerto WRTI Philly

Playing right now: Jay Krush’s Concerto for Bass Trombone, with Blair Bollinger of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Temple University Wind Symphony. I’ll be spinning the new releases until 5 p.m. on WRTI 90.1 FM and at wrti.org.

September 10, 2016
Remembering Rautavaara’s Symphony No. 8 on WPRB

Right now on WPRB, we’re listening to the final symphony of the great Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara – the Symphony No. 8, subtitled “The Journey” – commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra. It was given its first performance at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, under the direction of Wolfgang Sawallisch, in the year 2000.

Though Rautavaara would live another 16 years, he would compose no more symphonies. He suffered an aortic dissection in 2004, which put him in intensive care for half a year. He spent most of his final decade in frail health, though he continued to compose prolifically.

We are honoring Rautavaara, who died on July 27 at the age of 87, with FIVE HOURS of his music. Coming up in the 9:00 hour, we’ll hear his large-scale liturgical work, “Vigilia,” a mystical creation that grew out of childhood memories of a visit to an island monastery. Tune in if only to catch that basso-profondo!

It’s all Rautavaara until 11:00 EDT on WPRB 103.3 FM and at wprb.com.

August 11, 2016

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