Paul Archibald Sounding Out

On 12th July 2012 the United Nations proclaimed 20th March as International Day of Happiness.
This initiative aimed to recognise the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals for people around the world and to stimulate a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth.
The resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country which has recognised the value of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product!
Music, of course, can play a important role in stimulating happiness so our edition of In Conversation looks at some of the ‘happiest’ pieces of classical music ever composed and guarantees to bring a smile to your face…

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Overture to The Marriage of Figaro
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Sir Colin Davis (conductor)

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Symphony No4 ‘Italian’ : Movt 1 Allegro vivace
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Promenade: Walking The Dog
Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor)

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Hoedown
New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Leonard Bernstein (conductor)

Mihail Glinka (1805-1857)
Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla
Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Rico Saccani (conductor)

From a young age, Mozart demonstrated extraordinary musical talent, composing his first pieces at the age of five and embarking on concert tours across Europe with his family by the age of six.
He quickly gained recognition as a child prodigy and continued to develop his musical abilities throughout his short but impactful life.
Despite his musical brilliance, Mozart faced financial difficulties throughout his life, often struggling to secure stable employment and experiencing periods of financial insecurity.
His contributions to classical music are immeasurable and his music embodies the elegance, grace, and emotional depth of the Classical era.
The Overture to Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is a vibrant piece of music that sets the stage for the dramatic events of the opera.
As the overture progresses, it introduces various themes and melodies from the opera and showcases Mozart’s mastery of composition and his ability to evoke a range of emotions, from humour to romance to suspense.
It serves as a brilliant introduction to one of Mozart’s most beloved operas, setting the tone for the drama that is about to unfold on stage.

Mendelssohn’s musical output was diverse and prolific, encompassing symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, choral music, and operas.
As a conductor, Mendelssohn played a significant role in reviving interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, conducting a historic performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in 1829.
He also served as the director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and played a crucial role in establishing the Leipzig Conservatory.
Despite his considerable success during his lifetime, Mendelssohn struggled with periods of depression and illness.
When he passed away at the age of 38, he left behind a rich legacy of music celebrated for its elegance, lyricism, and emotional depth.
Mendelssohn composed the Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90, between 1831 and 1833, during a trip to Italy that deeply influenced his musical style.
The symphony premiered in London on May 13, 1833, conducted by the Mendelssohnm and despite his enthusiasm for the work, the premiere received mixed reviews
Over time, the symphony gained popularity and acclaim, becoming one of his most beloved compositions.

George Gershwin is one of the most significant figures in American music of the 20th century.
His music spanned multiple genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music and he was known for his innovative fusion of these styles.
Gershwin’s music became synonymous with the vibrant cultural scene of 1920s and 1930s America, capturing the energy and excitement of the Jazz Age.
Despite his relatively brief life, Gershwin left an indelible mark on American music, and his compositions continue to be celebrated and performed around the world.
Walking The Dog Is a charming piece of music composed by Gershwin in 1937.
It is part of his score for the film Shall We Dance, which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The piece serves as a playful and lighthearted accompaniment to a scene in the film where Astaire’s character takes his dog for a walk.
The piece features a prominent clarinet solo, representing the dog’s playful antics as it accompanies its owner on a stroll through the city streets.
Although Shall We Dance was not as commercially successful as some of Gershwin’s other works, ‘Walking the Dog’ has endured and is frequently performed piece in concert halls throughout the world

Aaron Copland played a significant role in shaping the course of American classical music in the 20th century.
His music is characterised by its accessibility, distinctive style, and incorporation of American folk and popular music elements, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including jazz, folk songs, and the American landscape itself.
His compositions often evoked images of the American West, rural landscapes, and the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans.
In addition to his work as a composer, Copland was a respected conductor and music educator.
Copland left behind a rich and enduring legacy as one of America’s greatest composers and musical ambassadors.
Hoedown was composed by Copland ain 1942 as part of his ballet score titled Rodeo.
It is one of the most famous and recognisable sections of in the ballet, a lively and spirited piece, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional American square dance or hoedown.

Mikhail Glinka played a crucial role in establishing a distinct Russian musical identity during the 19th century.
His compositions combined elements of Western European classical music with Russian folk melodies, creating a unique and captivating style that influenced generations of Russian composers.
During his time abroad, Glinka absorbed the musical styles and traditions of these countries while remaining deeply rooted in his Russian heritage.
Despite his pioneering contributions to Russian music, Glinka faced challenges and criticism from conservative elements within the Russian musical establishment.
Nevertheless, his influence continued to grow, and he inspired a new generation of Russian composers, including the influential ‘Mighty Five’ group (César Cui, Aleksandr Borodin, Mily Balakirev, Modest Mussorgsky, and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov).
The Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla is one of the Glinka’s most famous works dating from 1842 and is a vibrant and energetic composition that captures the essence of the opera’s plot and themes.
It has become one of the most iconic and frequently performed orchestral works in the Russian repertoire.
Its memorable melodies and dramatic flair continue to captivate audiences around the world, solidifying its place as a classic of Russian orchestral music.