Program Notes: Peter & the Animals

FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE
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Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved orchestral interludes in the classical repertoire. Originally composed as part of his opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," this brief yet intricate orchestral piece has transcended its operatic origins to become a standalone concert favorite.

"Flight of the Bumblebee" is a musical portrayal of the incessant buzzing and darting flight of a bumblebee, characterized by its rapid tempo and virtuosic passages. Rimsky-Korsakov masterfully captures the agility and energy of the insect through the use of rapid chromatic runs and fluttering melodies, which dart and weave through the orchestral texture with remarkable agility.

While the piece is often performed as a standalone orchestral excerpt, its original context within "The Tale of Tsar Saltan" is worth noting. In the opera, the "Flight of the Bumblebee" serves as an entr'acte between scenes, depicting the transformation of the Tsar's son into a bumblebee to escape from a treacherous situation. This context adds an extra layer of whimsy and theatricality to the music, enriching the listener's experience.

Despite its brevity—typically lasting just over a minute—Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" is a dazzling showcase of orchestral virtuosity and storytelling prowess. Its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless charm and the universal fascination with the natural world captured in music. As the orchestra brings this miniature marvel to life, audiences are transported on a thrilling journey through the buzzing world of the bumblebee.
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CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
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Composed in 1886, this whimsical suite of fourteen movements captures the composer's playful imagination and keen sense of humor. Originally intended as a private amusement for friends, Saint-Saëns prohibited the public performance of "Carnival of the Animals" during his lifetime, fearing it would overshadow his more serious works. However, since its posthumous premiere in 1922, it has become one of his most beloved compositions, enchanting audiences of all ages with its charming melodies and clever musical depictions of various animals.

Each movement of "Carnival of the Animals" portrays a different creature, from the graceful swan to the lumbering elephant, the skittering tortoise to the majestic lion. Through a colorful array of orchestral textures and witty musical gestures, Saint-Saëns brings these animals to life with humor and imagination. Despite its light-hearted tone, "Carnival of the Animals" also showcases Saint-Saëns' remarkable craftsmanship and melodic invention. The work abounds with memorable themes and intricate counterpoint, demonstrating the composer's mastery of form and structure.

While "Carnival of the Animals" is often performed in its entirety, certain movements have achieved particular popularity as standalone pieces, such as "The Swan," a serene cello solo, and "The Aquarium," a shimmering depiction of underwater tranquility. Through "Carnival of the Animals," Saint-Saëns invites listeners into a whimsical world where music paints vivid portraits of the animal kingdom. With its infectious melodies and delightful imagery, this beloved suite continues to captivate audiences with its timeless charm and imaginative spirit.
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PETER AND THE WOLF

Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" is a timeless musical fairy tale that has enchanted audiences of all ages since its premiere in 1936. This delightful work, intended to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra and the concept of musical storytelling, has become a beloved classic in the realm of both music and children's literature.

The narrative of "Peter and the Wolf" unfolds through a series of musical themes, each representing a different character or element of the story. From the spirited and adventurous theme of Peter on the strings to the mischievous clarinet motif of the cat, Prokofiev's score vividly brings the characters to life, inviting listeners to embark on a captivating journey through the Russian countryside.

At the heart of the story is the courageous Peter, who ventures into the forest to capture the menacing wolf that threatens his village. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters including his grandfather, the bird, the duck, and the cat, each portrayed by a distinct instrument or group of instruments.

One of the unique features of "Peter and the Wolf" is its educational value, as it provides an opportunity for young listeners to learn about the instruments of the orchestra and how they can be used to convey different characters and emotions. Prokofiev's masterful orchestration ensures that each character is easily identifiable through its musical motif, making the story accessible even to those unfamiliar with classical music.

Despite its intended audience of children, "Peter and the Wolf" has also captivated adults with its charming melodies, whimsical storytelling, and ingenious use of orchestral color. The work's enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and the timeless magic of Prokofiev's music. As the tale of "Peter and the Wolf" unfolds, audiences of all ages are transported to a world of imagination and wonder, where music and storytelling combine to create a truly enchanting experience.

Meet Deb Prutsman

Debbie is a much sought-after vocalist and actor throughout Southern California and on the East Coast. She has performed at virtually all major SoCal theatres and been privileged to sing with countless orchestras and bands. Redlands audiences may remember her as Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly, the centennial musical at The Redlands Bowl, as Ursula in the Bowl’s Little Mermaid or as a soloist with the Redlands Symphony for both concerts and holiday musicals.

Favorite theatrical roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Musical Theatre West, Performance Riverside, Candlelight Pavilion, Broadway at the Gardens), Mother Superior in Sister Act (5-Star Theatricals, Candlelight Pavilion), Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly (Moonlight Amphitheatre and twice at Performance Riverside), Mother/Blaire Daniels in Sunday in the Park (CCAE Theatricals), Grizabella in Cats (San Diego Musical Theatre, Moonlight Amphitheatre, Candlelight Pavilion, Broadway at the Gardens), Ursula in The Little Mermaid (5-Star Theatricals, Sound Stage Live, LA, Performance Riverside) and The Witch in Into the Woods (Actors’ Co-op, Moonlight Amphitheatre, Performance Riverside). 

A Yucaipa native, Debbie, her older brother Stephen, and baby sis Becka grew up spending most of their non-school hours in music and dance lessons in Redlands. After touring for several years in her late teens and early twenties, Debbie returned to the I.E. and made Redlands her home. She received her Bachelors of Science degree and teaching credential from UC Riverside, and her Masters in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Irvine.

Debbie just retired from a 34-year teaching career, 23 years of which were with Redlands Unified. She received countless awards including Teacher of the Year for her work bringing the joys of art and literature to kids. She started both the theatre and choral music programs at Citrus Valley High School, started the choral music program at Beattie Middle School, and created a developmental music enrichment program for kindergarteners district-wide.