Scottish Fantasy Musings

Pam Hahn & Chuck Stewart

Here's what Chuck had to say about the Scottish Fantasy program on October 5, 2025.

Q.  The October concert is one of musical contrasts. What should the audience know about your music choice decisions in this program?
A.  <meta charset="UTF-8"/>With the exception of Johann Strauss Sr. and Paul Dukas, all of the composers' lives overlapped. The program opens with a true “classic” of the brass fanfare repertoire. The short La Péri Fanfare packs a punch with a demonstration of all the brass instruments can do, from bombastic articulated passages to softer lyrical ones. The next two pieces, the Bruch and the Brahms, truly compliment each other with wonderful melodies and intertwining lyrical lines. Finally we arrive in Vienna at the annual New Year’s concert and end with a crowd favorite!

Q.  Brahms is known for large, commanding symphonies. Is his Third Symphony typical for his style?
A.  <meta charset="UTF-8"/>Brahms' Third Symphony is still very much Brahms, but it has some unique aspects to it. For one, there aren't really any “fast” movements compared to his other symphonies. Also, this symphony ends softly as opposed to the boisterous endings of his other symphonies. Brahms was no stranger to writing a beautiful melody, and all of his symphonies have multiple melodic gems, but his Third Symphony has possibly one of the most beautiful lines in all of classical music. It is so good, Santana even decided to “borrow” it! This piece is so enjoyable - both to play and listen to!

Q.  The Radetzky March is often accompanied by the audience, clapping to the beat. Is it OK if our audience claps along on Sunday?
A.  Absolutely! However, I challenge them to follow the dynamics (loud & soft) along with the orchestra, too!

Q.  If you could invite one of these composers to your house for dinner, which one would it be? What would you ask them?
A.  Brahms. Hands down. He was so curious and interested in other composers and traveled regularly to experience what was out there. I'm not sure if I would ask him anything specific, but would want to hear about his life and relationships with his fellow composers of the time. I would also like to thank him for giving us what I believe is some of the most beautiful music ever written.