Preview of Boulder Philharmonic's "Fright Fantastique" concert - Oct. 30, 2009

Music Director Michael Butterman gives an up-close preview of the Boulder Phil's Oct. 30 concert. Frankenstein!! by HK Gruber is an almost indescribable mash-up of childish poetry, political allegory,
cabaret parody and slapstick humor. This contemporary piece is a collection of comedic songs that expands the orchestra through the use of toy instruments, popping paper bags and whirling hoses. Soloist Timothy Jones will engage you with a dramatic singing role that channels both heroes and villains (James Bond, Goldfinger, Dracula, John Wayne, Batman and Robin, Frankenstein, Superman and more).

The bewitching Symphonie fantastique by Hector Berlioz, a tour de force for orchestra and conductor, is perhaps the most forward-looking symphonic piece of all time. Its incredible orchestral details (using E-flat clarinet, four bassoons, two tubas, and two sets of timpani playing chords) were just not done in his day. With a macabre connection in the last two movementsincluding a march to the scaffold and a dream of a witches sabbathplus ghoulish, cackling witch laughter in the last movement, its a perfect complement to the spooky holiday weekend.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Boulder Philharmonic
• classical music
• symphony
• Michael Butterman
• Berlioz