The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-09
LONDON SYMPHONY TO BE RENDERED
Learning to Listen Class to Enjoy Delightful Treat
 This Evening

Continuing with their study of the music of the later 18th century, known as the onata-symphony per- iod this evenings "Learning-to- Listn" class will have a delightful trat. At this time, Haydn's London Symphony" (No. 10D will be played by Edwin Fischer and his chamber orchestra. Although an Austrian by birth. Haydn achieved triumphs in London, and after fulfilling con- tract which called fo six sym phonies, his manager, J. P. Solomon prsuaded Haydn to write another set of six, which he did. The first of the second series, to be played to- night, often rferred to as the Sal omon No. 2 is bright and xciting in character. The movmnts are as follows: 1. Adagio: Allegro. 2. An- dante. 3. Minuet: Allegro. 4. Allegro. SpiritoSo.
 The program will open with Igor Stravinsky's "Fire-Bird" Suite, writ ten as a ballet and based on an old Russian legend. After short pre- Jude, the curtain rises and the grounds of an old castle are seen. Ivan Tserevitch the hero of many tales, in the course of hunting at night, comes to an enchanted gar- den and sees a beautiful bird with flaming golden plumage. HShe at- tempts to pluck fruit of gold from silver tree. He captures her, but needing her entreaties, frees her. Tn gratitude she gives him one of her feathers which has magic proper ties. AS the dawn breaks, thirteen enchanted princesses appear. Ivan, hidden watches them playing with golden apples, and dancing. Fasci- mated by them, he finally discloses himself. They tell him that the cas- tie belongs to the terrible Katschei, who turns decoyed travellers into stone. The princesses warn Ivan of his fate, but he resolves to enter the castle. Opening the gate, he sees Katschei with his train of grotesque and deformed subjects marching towards him in pompous procession. Katschei attempts to work his spell on Ivan, who is protected by the feather. Ivan summons the fire-bird who causes Katschei and his retinue to dance until they drop exhausted. The secret of KatSchei'S immor- tality is disclosed by Ivan; the sor- cerer keeps an egg in casket; if this egg should be broken or even in- jured, he would die. Ivan swings the egg backwards and forwards. Kats- chei and his crew sway with it. At last the egg is dashed to the ground; Katschei dies; his palace vanishes, the petrified knights come to life and Ivan, amid great rejoicing, re- ceives the hand of the most beautiful princess.
 "The Fire Bird" suite is recorded by Stokowski and the Philadelphia orchestra. This evenings class will review the woodwind and brass in- struments of the symphony orches- tra and will also be asked to identify the name and composer of selec- tion, heard on an earlier Learning to-Listen" program.
 The Learning -to-Listen" series is offered without charge, under the auspices of the Bronson Library and the WPA adult education program of Waterbury. Tomorrow night the new beginnrs' cours will be given and all interested in following the growth and development of music as living art, are urged to join at this time. Both classes meet at 7:15 in the music room of the library, and are offerd to the public with out charge.