The Romantic Spirit

The Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra presents “The Romantic Spirit” with special guest Alejandro Pinzon performing the works of Argentinian composer Astor Piazolla arranged for bandoneon and orchestra. Piazolla is known for taking tango rhythms in new directions by incorporating classical and jazz elements in his music. The orchestra will also play Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony No. 8 with its widely recognized melodies. The first movement is characterized as a “sweet stream of melodies in spite of its vigor…” and the second movement as “full of intimate, quiet happiness…”. The music of Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 conveys the story of the play “L’Arlesienne” (“The Girl From Arles”—in the south of France), through the Pastoral farm setting, the Intermezzo and Minuet. The Farandole, a French folksong, brings the suite to an energetic and joyous ending. Liadov’s Eight Russian Folk Songs completes the concert.