JAMES GAFFIGAN

James Gaffigan conducts the OCV in two key symphonies in the German repertoire. Schubert's 4th Symphony, composed at the age of 19 and never premiered during his lifetime, exhibits the melodic and youthful brilliance that is revealed in the composer's Lieder, in the shadow of the symphonic scaffolding erected by Mozart and Haydn, but also under the dramatic influence of Beethoven. Bruckner was also unable to see his 9th Symphony premiered. Despite being unfinished, in three movements, it is considered one of the greatest orchestral scores of all time. He evokes themes from his previous compositions, and in the famous, deeply inspired final adagio, he seems to want to conclude the monumental work as if it were his farewell to life.