Russell Ger

Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra

Alitalia was the name of Italy’s premier airline for 75 years. We borrow it here because all three composers on this program owed a creative debt to the culture and vibrancy of that wonderful country.

In a letter written to Sibelius in 1901, Baron Carpelan strongly encourages his fellow Finn to go abroad:  "You have been sitting at home for quite a while, Mr. Sibelius, it is high time for you to travel. You will spend the winter in Italy, a country where one learns cantabile, balance and harmony. You remember what Italy meant for Tchaikovsky’s development and for Richard Strauss."

The lure of Italy to those who live in cold Northern Europe cannot be understated. Composer after composer went south and brought back their musical memories of that country of sunshine and warmth, of folksong and dance, and of landscapes from seaside to mountain.

For Strauss it was about finding external inspiration like the story of Till Eulenspiegel; for Tchaikovsky, it was exposure to folk tunes he heard on the streets of Florence; and for Sibelius, it was where he jotted down the first ideas that would become his Second Symphony. All thanks to Italy…

Alitalia