Revolutionen – Trans-Formation III – Gstaad Festival Orchestra I

Orchestral Concert

Friday, 9 August 2024
7.30 pm, Saanen Church

Much like our Earth tirelessly orbiting the sun, the story of humanity is in constant motion. There are moments when groundbreaking changes gain momentum and reshape the course of history. Take 1789, for instance, when the French bourgeoisie’s dazzling, yet brutal quest for emancipation from the reigning monarch had a lasting impact on Europe and the world. Back then, many musicians joined the movement, expressing their feelings and political views through their compositions. Some, like Méhul or Cherubini, did so overtly, while others, such as Beethoven, took a more subtle approach, infusing their art with the ideals of “freedom, equality, and fraternity” without explicitly waving the protest flag. But music can be revolutionary even when not spurred by historical events. In Fazil Say’s Trumpet Concerto, centuries-old Western musical forms come together with Oriental sounds, deeply rooted in the Turkish composer’s heritage. The result: melodies that beckon, fascinate, and inspire, bridging the gap between the Orient and the Occident.