Next up in Orchestra Kentucky’s VIP Series, Bach and Fourth, a unique collection of music from the Baroque era, the Romantic period and the 20th Century.  On the bill: J.S. Bach’s  Toccata and Fugue in D minor, made famous by Disney’s Fantasia, Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto, featuring the most difficult trumpet solo known to humankind,  Franz Liszt’s Fourth Hungarian Rhapsody and the fourth movement of Brahms’ fourth symphony.  And, if that is not enough, Igor Stravinsky’s Baroque inspired slam dunk – the Pulcinella Suite.  January 11th at 7:30 at Living Hope. 

Come early for the Maestro’s Coffee Chat at 6:45 – he’ll have some juicy tidbits on all of this ‘Bach and fourth’ business.

“The second Brandenburg Concerto is one of the most challenging pieces for trumpet there is, anywhere in music…definitely in the top ten,” said Michael Arndt.  He should know.  Not only is he principal trumpet of Orchestra Kentucky, he teaches trumpet at Middle Tennessee State University. “I started work on this over a year ago,” he added.  This will be the first time for Arndt playing the Bach, but he is well aware of what is ahead. “I’ve seen players customize their horns to hit those high concert Gs, and there are a bunch of `em,” he continued, “there are plenty of guys that can play it, but just a few that are comfortable doing it.” All six of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos were written for Christian Ludwig, a German big shot.  In 1721, Bach received the equivalent of twenty two dollars in 2009 value for the six concerti.  They were kept in Herr Ludwig’s closet for nearly one hundred years. “It was first recorded in the early 20th Century and they substituted a soprano sax for the trumpet part!” said Arndt.  Be sure to mark your calendars for Bach and Fourth, and be on hand to witness those high concert Gs.

Bach and Fourth, sponsored by Baker Arboretum, English, Lucas Priest and Owsley, LLP, and Drs. Charles and Janet Smith, who provided additional support.  Tickets start at just $10.  Call 270-846-2426 or online at OrchestraKentucky.com

Upcoming concerts:

• All Strings Attached, C3 Series at the L&N Depot, January 24th at 2:00 pm.
• Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies, January 30th at Living Hope Baptist Church at 3:30 pm. World premiere.                         
• Mancini Magic, VIP Series, March 1st, Living Hope Baptist Church at 7:30 pm