Pre-Concert Recital at 6:00 PM

Songs by Charles Ives with Sidney Outlaw, baritone, and Steven Mayer, piano

Main Program at 7:00 PM:

George WALKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Folksongs for Orchestra

Charles IVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Places in New England

Charles IVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Symphony No. 2

1. Andante moderato
2. Allegro
3. Adagio cantabile
4. Lento maestoso
5. Allegro molto vivace

The Chicago Sinfonietta is delighted to partner with Illinois State University and music scholar Joseph Horowitz on this exclusive event. We are the Chicago celebrants of the Charles Ives Sesquicentenary – a landmark event in American culture. Ives’ symphonic music is a singular American tapestry, touching the deepest currents of the American experience.

Ives use of American vernacular song launched the American symphony, drawing profound narratives from our history and culture. His soundscapes evoke the forests and coastline of his native New England. Coming from a family of Connecticut Abolitionists, Ives connected profoundly with the African American experience, frequently playing spirituals at the piano.

Our main work is Ives’ Symphony No.  2, composed in his twenties and full of American folk tunes, including quotations from “America the Beautiful,” “Bringing in the Sheaves,” “Camptown Races,” “Long, Long Ago,” and the fiddler’s favorite, “Turkey in the Straw.” Continental quotations from Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Wagner also appear in this symphonic masterpiece, linking it to the grand traditions of Europe while staying true to his American heritage.

The evening’s entire program is scripted with narration, and includes songs, letters, and writings by Ives. The concert includes a substantial visual accompaniment by video artist Peter Bodganoff. A must see!

Funding for this multimedia concert event generously provided by The Charles Ives Society and Illinois State University.