Musician/Performer
Venue
-
Organizer
:
National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra
NTSO 2025/26 SEASON
Lan SHUI, Jan Vogler & NTSO
2026/03/20(Fri.)19:30 Concert Hall of National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying)
2026/03/21(Sat.)19:30 Taichung Chung Shan Hall
Conductor: Lan Shui
Cello: Jan Vogler
Soprano: Jeannie CHIANG
Baritone: Wen-I TSENG
Program
J. Sibelius: Karelia Suite (Excerpt), Op. 11
E. Elgar: Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
C. Nielsen: Symphony No. 3, Op. 27, "Sinfonia espansiva"
Born in the mid-19th century, British composer Elgar witnessed the rise and fall of the British Empire. The historic transition is directly reflected in his compositions, giving his music a regal melody imbued with melancholy and sentiment. These qualities became particularly pronounced after World War I. Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, which will be performed in this concert, was completed in 1919. The composer poured all of the emotions he felt in life into the piece, shifting from brooding, lively, affectionate to passionate through its four movements. With the bright, upper register of the cello, the solo part stands out from the rest of the orchestra, creating a lonely and distant impression. Yet at the same time, the rhythm of the cello is closely linked with the orchestra, creating an entangled yet contradictory sentiment. Unfortunately, the premiere of this Concerto was poorly received, perhaps because the audience found the piece too dark and depressing. The composition was later reintroduced to the public in the 1960s when cellist Jacqueline du Pré performed it on stage, and this time, the world was ready to appreciate the masterpiece.
The other two pieces from Scandinavia that are included in this concert are a strong contrast against Elgar’s work. Composed in 1893, Sibelius’ Karelia Suite presents a dramatic interpretation of the Finnish fighting against the Russian repression, conveyed through rustic melodies and sweeping harmonies. Danish composer Nielsen’s Symphony No. 3, “Sinfonia espansiva”, was completed at the beginning of the century. Exploring the concepts of Vitalism, a trend that was emerging domestically, Nielsen wanted the music to simulate an organism and experience conflict, struggle, and finally the breakthrough to respond to the title’s “expansion” aspect. Nielsen’s respect and love for life can be found in the second movement’s vocalises for soprano and baritone voices, which evoke a peaceful, pastoral setting, and the majestic hymn-like section in the final movement.
About 120 min.
Price
Kaohsiung NT 300、500、800、1000、1500、2000
Taichung NT 300、500、800、1000
Directed：Ministry of Culture
Organizer & Performer：National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra
Co-Host: Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government
*The organizer reserves the right to alter the program.
Update 2025/07/30
