(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its acclaimed music director Charles Prince, presents its next concert, "Prague Connection" at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield. Mozart's progressive Symphony No. 38 is paired with the well-known Dvořák Cello Concerto featuring Jameson D. Platte as soloist.
The concert will open with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K. 504 ("Prague"). The symphony debuted on January 19, 1787 in Prague, where Mozart had traveled to see the highly successful production of his 1786 opera The Marriage of Figaro. The symphony begins with a slow introduction, employed in only three of his symphonies. The slow movement is the most operatically lyrical and emotionally varied he had yet symphonically composed. There is no traditional minuet movement. The concluding Presto movement quotes music from The Marriage of Figaro, which delighted Prague audiences. Mozart was clearly expanding his understanding of the symphonic form and conventions.
The second half of the program features Antonin Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191, one of the most beloved concertos in the orchestral repertoire. The work was completed in 1895, near the end of his three-year stay in the United States. Throughout the concerto, the cello frequently lapses into passionate reverie, and Dvořák “concludes” the Finale by replacing the customary cadenza with the moving coda in memory of his deceased, beloved sister-in-law Josefina, the muse of the entire Concerto. The well-deserved popular work showcases the composer’s ability to combine virtuosic challenges for the soloist with masterful orchestration and melodic gifts.
The orchestra is fortunate to have PSO’s principal cellist, Jameson D. Platte as soloist. Mr. Platte maintains an active career both as a performer and a teacher. He is currently a member of the critically acclaimed Duo 92 with pianist/composer Matthew Quayle, the Omega Trio, principal cellist of the Plainfield Symphony, Bachanalia Virtuosi, Garden State Philharmonic, and the Allentown Symphony. He is in constant demand as a guest principal cellist throughout the northeast. A frequent recitalist in New York City, he has been featured in Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Lincoln Center, and the 92nd St. Y, among others. His recitals have been heard throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Tickets are available for purchase online. The Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is located at 716 Watchung in Plainfield, New Jersey.
As New Jersey's oldest community symphony and the third oldest continuously operating community symphony in the United States, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra represents the highest standard in musical excellence in programs designed to educate and uplift local audiences. The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra engages the community with an annual free family concert, educational programs, and promotion of talented local musicians. PSO offers opportunities for youth service on the Junior Board of Directors and highlights young performers with its collaboration with the Young Pianisst Competition of New Jersey.
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