Music: Sun Oct 24

 

It would not be accurate to characterize the composers featured in this morning's musical selections as members of the LGBTQ+ Community. For one thing, the concept of sexuality as an inherent aspect of identity would not have existed in the 19th-century world of Schubert or Tchaikovsky. For another, the personal solidarity and political activism which have characterized the quest for LGBTQ+ civil rights would not have existed for them. Nevertheless, all of this morning's composers are known to have formed close same-sex relationships and, to one degree or another, to have struggled with the social, professional, or familial consequences of expressing romantic attractions outside the bounds of convention. I leave it to each listener to assess whether or not an LGBTQ+ identity is expressed in their music. The artist-as-outsider trope, though, is hard to escape in contemplating their achievements and contributions. Read on for programming details, and stay tuned for spoken introductions.

 

Gathering Music: Adam Kent, piano
Sonata in Bb Major, Op. Posth.

            II. Andante sostenuto

                                                Franz Schubert

 

Opening Music:

Prelude No. 2 Andante con moto e poco rubato

 

                                                George Gershwin

 

Offertory: 

Sentimental Melody (Slow Dance)

                                                Aaron Copland

Meditation:

Autumn Song, Op. 37, No. 10
                                                Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Interlude:

Mouvements perpetuels, Nos. 1 and 3

                                                Francis Poulenc

Parting Music:

Excursions, Op. 20

            No. 1 Un poco allegro

                                                Samuel  Barber