2024 Deer Valley Music Festival: Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night

Let us serenade you with the melodies of Strauss’ Serenade, a short and sweet tribute to romance directly influenced by the composer’s grand predecessor, Mozart. The ode to lyricism continues with Holst’s Lyric Movement performed by Principal Viola Brant Bayless, who captures the depth and freedom of the piece. In a showcase of his instrumental prowess, Bayless follows with Hindemith’s Kammermusik No. 5—the viola pitted in a melancholy monologue against the rich, dark timbres of the wind instruments. Finally, descend into Schoenberg’s achingly beautiful Transfigured Night, directly inspired by Richard Dehmel’s poem. This story tells of heartbreak and redemption as a woman confesses to her new partner that she is carrying another man’s child, yet he responds that their love will shape this child into one who is theirs. They embrace and continue their walk with a new transfigured perspective on life under the light of the moon and stars.

P.S. We’ll conclude with a special Pioneer Day surprise!