Concert 4: Rita meets her match

In this fun program two dramatic works highlight the compositional styles of a Spanish / Mexican composer and an operatic genius to contrast how they approach the interaction of solo instrument / voice with the orchestra.

Rodolfo Halffter was a Spanish composer in the early 20th century who fled his homeland during the civil war and made his way to Mexico which became his adopted home up until his death. He later would become the director of the National Conservatory of Mexico and would influence many of the younger generation of Mexican composers. His violin concerto is a fiery display of technical virtuosity and blends in many of the rhythms and sounds of both Spain and Mexico.

By contrast, Donizetti's one act comic opera is less a fiery piece than a spicy story: Rita's lover from a past generation - who disappeared over 20 years previously - suddenly returns. Initially wanting to woe his former - and now married - lover he backs off, only to find that Rita's husband begins to plead with him to take her back. The resulting comedy is a feat of operatic brilliance.

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