Thursday, October 5, 2023
Sanders Theatre
Free parking is available at the Broadway Garage, located at 7 Felton Street, between Broadway and Cambridge Streets. Patrons tell the attendant that they are attending a Sanders Theatre event. They receive a swipe ticket which they will use to get back into the garage after the show, and which they will use to exit. Parking is from one hour pre-performance to one hour post.
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PROGRAM
Learn more about the program below:
KAREEM ROUSTOM
Aleppo Songs
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, commonly known as "Eroica," or "Heroic," is a landmark composition in the Western classical music tradition. Premiered in 1805, it signified a new era in music, essentially ushering in the Romantic period. Originally, Beethoven dedicated the symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom he admired for his democratic ideals that echoed the values of the French Revolution. However, when Napoleon declared himself Emperor, Beethoven was deeply disillusioned, seeing this act as a betrayal of the revolutionary principles. In response, he dramatically removed the dedication to Napoleon, and the symphony was later published as "Eroica."
Thematically, "Eroica" presents the idea of the heroic struggle, featuring dramatic shifts in mood, unexpected harmonic progressions, and novel structural developments that push the boundaries of the classical symphony form.
The symphony’s underlying themes and its place in history can be linked to the broader ideas of representation and inclusion in classical music.
Breaking Tradition: Just as Beethoven challenged and expanded the conventions of his time with the "Eroica," promoting works by diverse and underrepresented composers today challenges the traditional, often Eurocentric, canon of classical music.
Universalism: Beethoven's later works, including the "Eroica," often conveyed universalistic themes that transcended national and cultural boundaries. This spirit aligns with the effort to incorporate more diverse voices in classical music, as it underscores the universality of the human experience across different cultures and histories.
Heroism and Struggle: The themes of heroism and struggle in the "Eroica" can resonate with many composers from historically underrepresented groups, whose voices have often been silenced or marginalized. Their music can tell stories of resilience, struggle, and the quest for identity and recognition, which mirrors Beethoven's heroic narrative.
In these ways, Beethoven's "Eroica," with its innovative spirit and universalistic themes, can serve as an inspiration for the continued expansion and diversification of the classical music canon today.
Syrian composer Kareem Roustom’s “Aleppo Songs” draws from the musical and cultural history of Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a significant center of Arab music.
Performing music by composers like Kareem Roustom, who represent traditionally underrepresented cultures in classical music, is of tremendous value. Such performances expand the canon, expose audiences to diverse musical traditions, and contribute to a more inclusive and holistic understanding of what 'classical' music can be.
Furthermore, music deeply rooted in specific cultures, such as an orchestral work inspired by the music of Aleppo, can also serve as an act of cultural preservation, particularly relevant given the recent devastation in Syria. It can bring awareness to cultural richness that audiences may not have previously encountered, and underscore the humanistic ties in music, despite geographic or cultural differences.
The inclusion and performance of works by underrepresented composers like Roustom can also inspire emerging composers from similar backgrounds. It provides a signal that their voices and experiences have value in the classical music world, which can traditionally be Eurocentric. Ultimately, performing such works adds to the richness, inclusivity, and overall evolution of classical music, ensuring that it is a continually dynamic and globally representative art form.