Jane Glover and the Aspen Chamber Symphony’s Exciting Rehearsal of Schubert’s ‘The Great

schubert’s “Grate” Symphony Sparks Excitement at Aspen Music Festival

ASPEN, CO – Rehearsals for Schubert’s symphony No. 9 in C Major, nicknamed “Teh Great,” reached a peak of palpable excitement this week with the Aspen chamber Symphony, led by conductor Jane Glover. The intensity of the music-making was evident even amongst the orchestra’s members,with second violinists reportedly sharing a moment of astonished recognition during a recent session.

Glover, known for her dynamic and insightful approach to classical repertoire, is currently leading the Aspen Music Festival and School’s orchestral program. The anecdote about the violinists underscores the symphony’s profound impact and the challenging, rewarding experience of bringing such a monumental work to life.

Schubert’s Ninth Symphony, completed shortly before his death in 1828, is considered one of the composer’s most ambitious and emotionally resonant achievements. Its expansive scale and complex harmonies demand a high level of technical skill and artistic sensitivity from performers.

The Aspen Music Festival and School, now in its seventh decade, has long been a training ground for emerging classical musicians and a destination for established artists. The festival’s commitment to fostering musical excellence and innovation continues to draw talent from around the globe.

Schubert’s symphonies, though initially less celebrated than those of Beethoven, have experienced a notable resurgence in popularity over the past century. Modern scholarship has revealed the depth and originality of his orchestral writing, cementing his place as a pivotal figure in the Romantic era.The “Great” Symphony, in particular, stands as a testament to Schubert’s genius and a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire.

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Jane Glover & The Aspen Chamber Symphony Tackle Schubert’s “The Great” – A Rehearsal Insight

The Aspen Chamber Symphony, under the dynamic leadership of maestro Jane Glover, is currently deep in rehearsals for a performance of Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 – affectionately known as “The Great.” This ambitious undertaking, scheduled for performance on August 16th, 2025, promises too be a highlight of the Aspen Music Festival and School’s summer season. This article delves into observations from a recent rehearsal, highlighting Glover’s approach and the challenges and triumphs of bringing this monumental work to life.We’ll explore the nuances of Schubert’s C major symphony, the Aspen Music Festival, and the artistry involved in classical music performance.

Decoding Schubert’s Grand Vision: A Symphony in C Major

schubert’s “The Great” is a cornerstone of the Romantic period repertoire. Composed in 1825,just months before his death,it represents a peak in his symphonic writng.Its sheer scale – ofen requiring a larger orchestra than typically associated with Schubert – is immediately striking.

Length & Scope: The symphony is unusually long for its time, demanding stamina and focus from both performers and listeners.

Harmonic Complexity: Schubert’s harmonic language, while rooted in classical tradition, pushes boundaries with unexpected modulations and chromaticism.

Emotional Depth: The work traverses a vast emotional landscape, from moments of profound melancholy to exuberant joy. Schubert’s symphonies are known for their emotional resonance.

Instrumentation: The full orchestral forces required – including expanded brass and percussion sections – contribute to the symphony’s powerful sound.

Understanding these elements is crucial for any interpretation, and Glover’s rehearsal focused heavily on ensuring the orchestra grasped the symphony’s architectural and emotional blueprint.

jane Glover’s Rehearsal Techniques: Shaping the Sound

Maestro Glover is renowned for her insightful interpretations and her ability to connect with musicians on a deeply personal level. Observing a rehearsal revealed a meticulous and collaborative approach.

1. Emphasis on Phrasing: Glover spent considerable time shaping the phrasing in the first movement ( Allegro ma non troppo). she didn’t simply correct notes; she sculpted the musical lines, encouraging the players to breathe with the music and create a sense of organic flow. She frequently used the analogy of speech, asking for “more legato” or “a slight hesitation” to mimic natural inflection.
2. Balancing Textures: A key challenge in “The Great” is balancing the often-dense orchestral textures.Glover worked diligently to ensure that individual instrumental lines were clearly audible, preventing the sound from becoming muddy. She specifically addressed the interplay between the woodwinds and strings, demanding clarity and precision. Orchestral balance is a critical element of successful performance.
3. Addressing Tempo & Rhythm: While maintaining a generally brisk tempo,Glover wasn’t afraid to experiment with subtle rhythmic adjustments. She encouraged the musicians to feel the underlying pulse and to avoid rigidity. This resulted in a performance that felt both energetic and flexible. Tempo variations were used to highlight dramatic moments.
4. Historical Context: Glover frequently referenced the historical context of the symphony, discussing Schubert’s life and the musical landscape of early 19th-century Vienna. This helped the musicians understand the work’s origins and to inform their interpretations. Music history plays a vital role in informed performance practise.

The Aspen Chamber Symphony: A Unique Training Ground

The Aspen Music Festival and School provides a unique surroundings for young musicians. The Aspen Chamber Symphony is comprised of talented students from around the world, alongside a core of experienced professionals. This creates a dynamic learning environment where emerging artists can hone their skills under the guidance of world-class conductors and mentors.

Intensive Training: The festival’s intensive training program demands a high level of commitment and artistry.

Collaborative Spirit: The collaborative spirit fostered at Aspen encourages musicians to learn from one another and to push their boundaries.

Performance Opportunities: the festival provides numerous performance opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable stage experience.

Masterclasses & Workshops: A series of masterclasses and workshops led by renowned musicians further enhance the learning experience.

This rehearsal showcased the benefits of this environment. The musicians demonstrated a remarkable willingness to take risks and to respond to Glover’s feedback. The level of playing was consistently high, reflecting the dedication and talent of the ensemble.

Specific Challenges in rehearsing the Second Movement (Con moto)

The second movement,a scherzo and trio,presented particular challenges. Glover focused on achieving a delicate balance between rhythmic drive and lyrical expression.

Articulation: The staccato passages required precise articulation and a light touch. Glover worked with the string section to refine their bowing technique, ensuring that each note was clearly defined.

Dynamic contrast: The movement features dramatic dynamic contrasts, ranging from hushed whispers to explosive outbursts. glover emphasized the importance of these contrasts, encouraging the musicians to fully embrace the emotional range of the music.

Trio Section: The trio section, in a contrasting key, offered a moment of respite. Glover guided the musicians to create a sense of intimacy and warmth in this section, highlighting its lyrical beauty. Scherzo and trio form requires careful attention to contrast.

The Importance of Listening: A Core Principle

Throughout the rehearsal, Glover repeatedly emphasized the importance of listening. She encouraged the musicians to listen not only to their own parts but also to the other sections of the orchestra. This fostered a sense of ensemble cohesion and allowed the musicians to respond to one another in real-time. Ensemble playing relies heavily on active listening. She frequently enough stopped the ensemble not to correct a wrong note, but to ask, “What did you hear?” This focus on aural perception underscored her belief that truly great music-making comes from a deep connection to the sound itself.

Preparing for the August 16th Performance: final Touches

As the rehearsal drew to a close, Glover focused on polishing the final details. She addressed issues of balance, phrasing, and tempo, ensuring that every aspect of the performance was refined. The atmosphere in the hall was one of focused energy and anticipation. the Aspen Chamber Symphony, under Jane Glover’s guidance, is poised to deliver a truly memorable performance of Schubert’s “The Great.” classical music concerts* like this one are a testament to the enduring power of the orchestral tradition.