This week’s Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts will feature two important African-American artists. Renowned pianist Leon Bates will perform Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the orchestra. And the orchestra will present the world premiere of “Different River,” by Atlanta-based composer Alvin Singleton.
Singleton's works have been performed around the world, but the ASO has always had a special affinity for him. He was the company's Composer-in-Residence from 1985 to 1988, and of course he lives here, in Midtown. Two of his works were presented by the orchestra during 2011 alone. One of those, a fanfare, "Miaka Kumi," was written to celebrate Robert Spano's 10th anniversary as the orchestra's music director.
Singleton is not a member of the “Atlanta School” of five composers who share various traits and a special relationship with Spano. His deep connection with the ASO predates Spano’s by nearly 20 years. But he has nevertheless been embraced by the conductor, who has a special affinity for new music, and especially for the more conservative composers, whose works are mostly tonal and considered accessible.
Two of Singleton’s compositions, “Praise Maker” and “After the Fallen Crumbs,” have been recorded by the orchestra. His sound is influenced by jazz, and often includes improvisation.
“Different River” is a 25 minute piece presenting, according to the composer, “an ever-changing perspective on a river that is always moving.” Rather than an overarching theme, the work is a series of passages. It features a large orchestra with extra percussion.
In 2005, Spano was scheduled to conduct a 50th-anniversary concert with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, where he had recently stepped down as music director after eight important years -- a period when his and the orchestra's reputation soared – and where he still held the principal guest conducting post. The concert was to feature Leon Bates, playing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the orchestra. Spano became ill, and Chelsea Tipton, II conducted in his place.
Seven years later, Bates and Spano will finally join forces for “Rhapsody in Blue,” this time with the ASO. Bates tours regularly, performing a wide-ranging repertoire with major orchestras. But if he has a specialty, it would have to be Gershwin, which he has performed widely and recorded often. He is an energetic performer, ideally suited for “Rhapsody in Blue,” Gershwin’s widely popular “jazz concerto.” And, as if to contradict any stereotypes anyone might have about concert pianists, Bates is also a dedicated body builder and a major sports fan.
Rounding out this all-American program will be Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Copland is best known for his pieces that incorporate an iconic American folk sound as well as jazz, and no one has done that better. His “Appalachian Spring” and “Lincoln Portrait” are among the most popular works ever written by an American composer. With the third symphony, however, he was trying to break out of the mold into which he’d been typecast, and it features a more European approach, with little if any reference to Americana. It does, however, borrow the main theme from “Fanfare for the Common Man,” another one of his more popular works.
Concert preview
James L. Paulk. 8:00 p.m. on May 10, 11, and 12. Tickets $21-$79. Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org
About the Author
