Chamber symphony: mozart symphony no. 39, steven banks by Rossini, Childs, W. E., Mozart, vr. 04 aug 2023, Van (2023/2023), Dirigent Xian Zhang, Benedict Music Tent, Aspen, Verenigde Staten

He started out as a clarinetist, but listening to Motown’s popular hits featuring the “cool-looking” saxophone made Steven Banks switch gears and dedicate himself to showcasing that instrument’s vast capabilities. Winner of the prestigious 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Banks is an advocate for expanding the saxophone repertoire. To that end, he commissioned a concerto from four-time Grammy winner Billy Childs and premiered it last February. This exciting new work combines jazz and 20th-century neoclassical traditions in a powerful synthesis of style, range, and dynamism. Mozart’s last three symphonies are marvels of musical imagination and invention. Although performed less often than Nos. 40 or 41 (“Jupiter”), No. 39 is no less stunning. From its majestic introduction to its propulsive and witty romp of a finale, this brilliantly crafted work will have you captivated. Listen for the surprising twists in the last movement, built on just one musical idea, but varied in so many entertaining ways that you never tire of hearing it. This upbeat program begins with the delightful overture to Rossini’s comic opera The Italian in Algiers. It starts with a slow introduction featuring a beautiful oboe solo but then takes off with a rousing allegro that sounds like a train going faster and faster down the track – getting louder as it heads toward you. This Rossini trademark won him both cheers and jeers. Discover a new piece for saxophone bookended by two sparkling 18th and 19th century works this high-spirited program!