Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert, Oct. 20

Provided.

Dr. Newby conducting at a rehearsal.

The Tehachapi Symphony is rehearsing for its first concert of the 26th season under the direction of Dr. David Newby. The concert will be Sunday, Oct. 20, at Country Oaks Baptist Church, located at 20915 Schout Rd., beginning at 4 p.m.

Guest violinist, Lorenz Gamma performs Othmar Schoeck's "Violin Concerto in B-Flat Major." Schoeck was born in 1886 in Switzerland and lived in a lovely village on Lake Lucerne where his father was a landscape painter. Schoeck studied music in Zurich, then Leipzig and became a respected composer of songs and operas. He returned to Zurich and worked as a freelance composer, conductor and piano accompanist. His Violin Concerto in B-Flat Major was composed in three movements and completed in 1912. Schoeck dedicated it to the violinist Stefi Geyer. The work is predominantly a lyrical piece with melancholy and passion as well as cheerful and playful. The violin is in almost constant activity throughout.

The program also includes Jacques Ibert's "Hommage a Mozart" and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Symphony No. 38 in D Major."

Jacques Ibert was born in 1890 and as a young boy was encouraged to learn violin and piano, to study classical music and accompany singers. After finishing school, he also played piano for the cinema. In 1910, he began to study at the Paris Conservatoire, but was called to serve in World War I as a naval officer. After returning, his career as a composer took off, writing operas, ballets, songs and orchestral music. He also won the Prix de Rome in 1919. In 1931, he began writing music for movies. "Hommage a Mozart" is a fast-paced short, single-movement work. There is a brief introduction of the main theme, followed by another as a flute solo, returning to the main theme, followed by another in the trumpets.

Mozart composed "Symphony No. 38" in late 1786. It was premiered in Prague on Jan. 19, 1787, thereby becoming known as the Prague Symphony. The symphony is in three movements rather than four. It begins slowly shifting between bright D major and the ominous feel of D minor. The Allegro brings together many themes woven together. The Andante is easygoing yet complicated and the Presto's energy provides for a brilliant finale.

A reception following the concert allows audience members to meet the conductor, soloist and musicians.

For any questions regarding this free concert, visit http://www.tehachapiorchestra.com or call (661) 823-8249.