Theater — Program Notes from Argyle Arts

Ludwig van Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3

The compelling drama of Leonore Overture No. 3 has earned it a life of its own in the concert hall.

Orchestral MusicChris MyersMarch 16, 2016Beethoven, Leonore, Overture, Theater, Classical Music, Fidelio, Opera, Orchestral Music

Felix Mendelssohn: Ruy Blas Overture

Felix Mendelssohn wrote a letter to his mother catching her up on some recent news:

You want to know how it went with my overture for Ruy Blas? Funny story...

Orchestral MusicChris MyersFebruary 12, 2016Mendelssohn, Ruy Blas, Overture, Theater, Victor Hugo, Romantic Music, Orchestral Music

Ludwig van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture

Beethoven was unmatched in the musical portrayal of complex heroic characters.

Orchestral MusicChris MyersMarch 11, 2015Beethoven, Classical Music, Overture, Coriolan, Theater

The Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein

Their songs and stories have become such an integral part of our culture that it is easy to forget how revolutionary the team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were.

Connect With the Heroes

The tragedies and triumphs of war have inspired composers to create some of their greatest work. In World War II, governments realized that artists could be more useful to the war effort in their trained discipline than as conscripted soldiers, and composers were encouraged to produce work supporting national morale and the education of the public.