Program Notes

EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was one of the greatest composers in history, known for his incredible talent, creativity, and ability to write music that feels both effortless and deeply expressive. Born in Salzburg, Austria, Mozart was a child prodigy who began composing at the age of five and toured Europe performing for royalty. Despite his fame and musical genius, he struggled financially and died young at the age of 35, leaving behind more than 600 works in nearly every musical genre of his time.

‍Eine kleine Nachtmusik, which translates to “A Little Night Music,” is one of Mozart’s most famous and joyful pieces. He wrote it in 1787, likely as a light evening entertainment—music meant to be enjoyed outdoors or at social gatherings. Although Mozart never published it in his lifetime, the piece has become one of the most recognizable and beloved works in classical music.

The piece is written for a small string ensemble and consists of four movements. The first movement is lively and energetic, with a bold, catchy theme that instantly grabs the listener’s attention. The second movement is more graceful and lyrical, offering a moment of calm. The third is a minuet—a dance in triple time—with a contrasting middle section, and the final movement is a playful, fast-paced rondo that brings the piece to a cheerful close.

Though not deeply emotional or dramatic, Eine kleine Nachtmusik is a perfect example of Mozart’s clarity, balance, and charm. It’s music that sparkles—elegant, lighthearted, and full of life—capturing the spirit of a warm evening filled with conversation, laughter, and music.

SERENADE FOR STRINGS by Teresa Carreño

Teresa Carreño (1853–1917) was a remarkable Venezuelan pianist, composer, and conductor whose talent dazzled audiences across Europe and the Americas. A child prodigy, she gave her first public concert at the age of eight and performed for President Abraham Lincoln at the White House a year later. Known primarily as a virtuoso pianist, Carreño was also a gifted composer who wrote music with elegance, passion, and expressive beauty.

Her Serenade for Strings, composed in 1895, is a graceful and lyrical work that reflects her Romantic style and her deep understanding of the expressive power of string instruments. Though much of Carreño’s music has only recently begun to receive the recognition it deserves, this piece stands out as one of her finest orchestral works.

The Serenade is filled with warmth and charm. Listeners will notice its singing melodies, rich harmonies, and a flowing sense of movement that gives the music a feeling of gentle elegance. While clearly influenced by Romantic composers like Brahms and Tchaikovsky, Carreño’s voice is distinct—combining European classical traditions with her own personal flair.

Though not written for any specific occasion, the Serenade for Strings feels like an intimate conversation between musicians. It invites the listener into a world of refined emotion and quiet beauty, offering a glimpse into the heart and mind of a truly extraordinary artist.

SYMPHONY NO. 3 by Philip Glass

Philip Glass (b. 1937) is one of the most influential composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. An American pioneer of minimalism—a style known for repetition, gradual change, and hypnotic patterns—Glass has written for opera, film, dance, and the concert hall. His music is instantly recognizable for its driving rhythms and meditative energy, and he has reshaped how we think about classical music in the modern world.

Glass composed his Symphony No. 3 in 1995 for the string orchestra of the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra. Unusually, it was written specifically to give each of the 19 players a moment to shine, resulting in a piece that is both intimate and full of individual character. The symphony is in four movements and lasts about 25 minutes.

The first movement sets the tone with steady, pulsing rhythms and shifting harmonies—classic hallmarks of Glass’s style. The second movement is lively and rhythmic, full of subtle energy and interplay between parts. The heart of the work is the third movement, which begins with a simple, singing violin melody that slowly expands into a powerful and emotional crescendo. This movement stands out for its emotional weight and lyrical beauty. The final movement brings a burst of energy, with fast-moving figures and a sense of resolution that ties the symphony together.

‍Symphony No. 3 shows Glass at his most focused and expressive. Though built from simple materials, the music reveals surprising depth and complexity as it unfolds. It’s a compelling example of how repetition and gradual change can create music that feels alive, emotional, and full of forward motion—drawing listeners into a world that is both meditative and exhilarating.

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