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Thank YOU! Stranger Things 6/4/23: Show notes and Gallery

Post Date: 6/4/2023

The lights! The haze! That MUSIC!

We hope you enjoyed the San Francisco premiere of the score to Stranger Things as performed by its composers, Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. This one-night-only event was an extremely rare appearance by these visionary musicians. Their massive production of synched lighting and visual effects was truly spellbinding. Together, we took a fast-forward journey of musical evolution from pipe organ into synths, and from J.S. Bach to Phillip Glass to Stranger Things! Our featured performer, Anne Akiko Meyers, one of the world’s most esteemed violinists, gave a stunning and breathtaking performance that was truly unforgettable.

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Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
a popular choral piece composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is part of his larger work known as Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147, which translates to “Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life” in English. This cantata was composed in 1716 during Bach’s tenure in Weimar, Germany. The specific movement, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” is often performed as an instrumental piece, most commonly with violin as the solo instrument. The original composition features a vocal line with orchestral accompaniment, but the melody is so memorable that it lends itself well to instrumental arrangements.

 

Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
Carillon
Carillon” is part of Vierne’s larger work titled “24 Pièces de fantaisie,” Op. 51. This collection consists of 24 pieces, each exploring different musical styles and techniques. “Carillon” is the third piece in the set and is one of Vierne’s most famous and frequently performed compositions. As the title suggests, “Carillon” is inspired by the sound and style of a traditional carillon, which is a set of bells often found in church towers or other buildings. The piece captures the joyful and majestic qualities associated with bell chimes, creating a vivid and vibrant musical atmosphere.

 

Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
Le banquet céleste
“Le banquet céleste” (The Celestial Banquet) is a significant organ composition by the French composer Olivier Messiaen. Messiaen was a composer, organist, and ornithologist known for his innovative and deeply spiritual musical style. Composed in 1928, the piece is considered one of Messiaen’s early organ works. The composition is based on the concept of the heavenly banquet described in Christian theology, representing the mystical union between God and humanity. Messiaen’s religious beliefs had a profound influence on his music, and many of his compositions explore profound spiritual themes.

 

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957)
Kings Row
Erich Wolfgang Korngold was an Austrian-born composer known for his work in both classical and film music. “Kings Row” is considered one of Korngold’s most significant film scores and is highly regarded for its rich and emotionally charged music. The score for “Kings Row” reflects the dramatic and romantic nature of the film’s storyline. Korngold’s music captures the various moods and emotions portrayed in the movie, providing a musical backdrop that enhances the narrative and intensifies the impact of the scenes.

 

Philip Glass (1937—)
Metamorphosis II
A mesmerizing piece characterized by repetitive patterns and shifting harmonies, typical of Glass’s minimalist style. The composition unfolds in a cyclical manner, gradually building and transforming throughout its duration. The intricate and hypnotic nature of the music creates a contemplative and introspective atmosphere. “Metamorphosis II” has been widely acclaimed and has become one of Philip Glass’s most popular and recognizable works. It has been performed by numerous pianists and has also been featured in various films, television shows, and other media.

Thank you to our show sponsor:

 

Check out our Spotify playlist of the electronica heard at the event: