In Sunday’s (2/12) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Andrew Druckenbrod writes, “Silence has a special place in music. Rests are just as important as notes whether in complex rhythms, grand pauses or syncopation. John Cage’s infamous 4’33” asks for no playing whatsoever and Franz Joseph Haydn’s ‘Farewell Symphony’ ends with the performers leaving the stage one by one, slowly muting the orchestra. Composer Steven Stucky takes an approach similar to Haydn in his newest work, but the American composer’s decrescendo was inspired by a far more troubling situation. … Mr. Stucky wanted to capture the stark prophecy of ‘Silent Spring,’ Rachel Carson’s seminal treatise on the staggering effects of chemical pollution on the environment. Commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to honor the book’s 50th anniversary, Mr. Stucky’s work of the same name musically captures the passion and courage of the Pittsburgh native. … ‘Silent Springs’ world premiere will take place this week conducted by PSO music director Manfred Honeck before the PSO takes it to New York City’s Avery Fisher Hall late this month. For Mr. Stucky, the PSO’s composer-of-the-year, the destruction of nature and life could only be represented by silence. He gradually snuffs out all sound as the work ends.”
Posted February 13, 2012
