Konzert des Salon Orchesters Glasgow

Giacomo Meyerbeer (1844) / arr. Theodore Moses-Tobani (1889): Fackeltanz (torch dance) No. 1 B-flat major

“The Marche Flambeaux was composed by Meyerbeer on the occasion of the betrothing of a Princess of Prussia. The composition of this kind of Morceau belongs to a ceremony of the Middle Ages, and is still observed in the German Courts. On the day of the betrothing of a prince or princess royal, it is the custom for each of the betrothed, with torch in hand, to make a tour of the salon several times, and to pass before the sovereign; the prince giving his hand to a lady, and the princess hers to a gentleman of the Court. All the guests follow the betrothed couple, who change partners each time until all present have walked around the room with them. The March is always in 3/4 time. It is a slow movement in the style of a polonaise, and scored for a military band.” [text from 19th piano arrangement published by Cramer, Beal & Co. London]

Gaetano Donizetti (1835) / arr. Émile Tavan (1880s): Lucia di Lammermoor (Fantasie)

Romeo & Juliet-type love and feud war in medieval Scotland

Lucia di Lammermoor tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families. The melodramatic plot unfolds at Ravenswood Castle in Scotland, based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel “The Bride of Lammermoor” (1819). In Donizetti’s opera, Lucia flees a wild bull and falls in love with her rescuer, Edgardo, from a rival clan. Lucia is then forced by her brother to marry the powerful Lord Arturo Buchan. She murders him on their wedding night and descends into madness.

Richard Wagner (1845) / arr. Max Rhode (1923): Tannhäuser (Fantasie)

medieval Minnesänger song contest, temptation of the Venus mountain

The knight Tannhäuser finds himself inside the Venusberg, a world of sensuality. He returns to Wartburg Castle, where he hopes to win the heart of Elisabeth, the Landgrave’s niece, in the Minnesingers’ competition. He sings a song about Venus, which reveals him as a sinner. On a pilgrimage to Rome, he seeks forgiveness in vain and finally finds redemption through Elisabeth’s purest love.

[interval, chairs removed]

Ceilidh: Eightsome Reel & more


Salonorchester Glasgow:

Gabriel Doucet (violin)
Shona MacLeod (violin)
Gabriel Reinés March (violin)
Martin Kretschmer (viola)
Elizabeth Porter (cello)
Lynette Eaton (double bass)
Sophia Duncan (flute)
Stephen Webster (clarinet)
Sharon Kretschmer (trumpet)
Bob Whitney (tuba)
Piano, harmonium, percussion