Schedule:

Season’s Best

Astor Piazzolla (1921 – 1992) – Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

Nigel Armstrong, Violin

I. Verano Porteño (Buenos Aires Summer)
II. Invierno Porteño (Buenos Aires Winter)
III. Primavera Porteña (Buenos Aires Spring)
IV. Otoño Porteño (Buenos Aires Autumn)

Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847) – String Symphony No. 8 in D minor/major, MWV N 8 (1822)

I. Adagio e grave – Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto – Trio. Presto
IV. IV. Allegro molto
 
Astor Piazzolla – Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (1965–1970)

Piazzolla’s Four Seasons (“Estaciones Porteñas”) reimagines Vivaldi’s famous cycle through the lens of tango. Composed over five years—Verano Porteño in 1965 (originally incidental music for a play), followed by Invierno, Primavera, and Otoño Porteño—these pieces depict the emotional essence of each season in Buenos Aires. Performed by longtime SAMF favorite Nigel Armstrong, you’ll hear tango’s sultry rhythms fused with classical forms and jazz improvisation. Interestingly, the “seasons” reflect the lives of everyday Porteños, not just calendar changes—a musical portrait of the city’s soul.
Felix Mendelssohn – String Symphony No. 8 in D minor/major, MWV N 8 (1822)

Written when Mendelssohn was just 13, this string symphony showcases his early genius. It begins with a dramatic Adagio e grave that flows into a joyful Allegro, followed by lyrical and dance-like movements. Its final Allegro molto is particularly youthful and energetic. A lesser-known but delightful example of a prodigy’s confident voice, it later received orchestral treatment with added winds and timpani—highlighting its depth and versatility.

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