Robert Barefield
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera continues its Barnett and Company Masterworks Series with an all Brahms concert on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Review for the concert:
Opening the concert is Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. Brahms composed the work on a theme entitled "Chorale St. Antoni" found in a wind ensemble composition. At the time Brahms discovered it, the wind ensemble piece carried an attribution to the composer Joseph Haydn. Brahms titled his own composition accordingly, crediting Haydn for the theme, but publishers in the early nineteenth century often attached the names of famous composers to works by unknown or lesser known composers in order to move inventory. Subsequent research has concluded that the wind piece Brahms used as a source does not fit Haydn's style. Today the wind ensemble piece remains without clear attribution. The situation has led to Brahms's piece being referred to today in recordings and concert programs as the St. Anthony Variations as well as its original title.
Highlighting the concert is Brahms’ German Requiem, written to comfort the living, not for the souls of the dead. This masterpiece was immediately recognized by critics as one of exceptional vision as it focuses on faith in the resurrection rather than fear of the Day of Judgement, as a typical Requiem might.
CSO musicians will be joined by the CSO Chorus, directed by Darrin Hassevoort, as well as the UTC Chamber Singers and Chattanooga Singers, led by Kevin Ford. The two soloists for the work are baritone Robert Barefield and soprano Carole Fitzpatrick.
American Public Media’s Fred Child, host of Performance Today, will be a special concert guest, welcoming the audience at the top of the performance.
Tickets are available online at www.chattanoogasymphony.org, by calling 267-8583, or in person at 701 Broad St. in the Tivoli Center office building. Student tickets are available for $15 with a valid student ID, and kids 17 and under get in free with a paid adult.
Carole Fitzpatrick