THE DRAMA OF MUSIC

Harpist Beth Roethemeyer will perform a solo with fellow harpist Chadie Fruehwald when the Southeast Missouri State University Symphony performs at Academic Auditorium.

Chadie Fruehwald played the work "Gymnopedis" on the harp during symphony practice at Academic Hall.

For Sara Edgerton, music is more than simply notes upon a page that must be played with technical precision. It is an art that touches the human spirit, that depicts the depths of the human experience.

So when she selects music to be played by Southeast Missouri State University's Symphony, she looks for music that has a sense of the theatrical.

"I like to conduct music with drama in it," she said.

It is that drama that will be played out when the orchestra, under Edgerton's direction, opens its concert season Tuesday with "Symphonic Favorites," a program of popular symphonic music. The concert, which will also include the Cape Central High School Orchestra, will be presented in Academic Auditorium on the university campus beginning at 8 p.m.

"It's really wonderful to hear symphonic music performed live," Edgerton says.

Edgerton, who has been conducting the orchestra for seven years, also knows the joy of performing before an audience.

After studying in New York at the Eastman School of Music, Edgerton spent several years in London as a member of a string quartet that toured throughout England and Europe. She is currently a part of the Missouri Arts Council tour and a member of the Southeast Baroque Trio.

The program will include a number of popular symphonic masterpieces, including the celebrated first movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and "The Waltz of the Flowers" from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet.

Four of the five symphonic works to be played by the University Orchestra were composed between 1878 and 1892, and represent three national traditions -- French, Czech and Russian. Edgerton said the music showcases the 19th century Romantic tradition of orchestral writing with works that are still popular today.

"We have chosen this program to be very appealing to the audience," she said.

"This concert would be a good introduction to symphonic music for students and families alike. And for the seasoned concert-goers, the lively contrast of styles and composers should provide interest," she said.

One of the dramatic highlights of the evening will be the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which begins with one of the most recognizable musical motifs in history.

In 1802, Beethoven wrote to his brothers, telling them of his impending deafness and the accompanying despair he felt. Yet in the years immediately following the letter -- called the "Heroic Period" of Beethoven's life -- the composer was able to transcend the despair and compose works of intensity and power. Beethoven's Fifth was written during the years of 1804 and 1807 and was first performed in 1808.

In her program notes for the concert, Edgerton wrote that "the symphony with its four movements represents a spiritual journey, from the opening four notes (sometimes described as `fate knocking at the door') to the radiant, triumphant last movement."

"I do love Beethoven," Edgerton said. "To be able to conduct it is a privilege."

Although it is not her first experience conducting the Fifth Symphony, she approaches the score as a new experience.

"It still fools me. I have to be on my toes. No matter how many times I go back and revisit it, it's always new," she said.

Several of the pieces performed will showcase featured musicians. Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from the Nutcracker Ballet will feature harpist Chadie Fruehwald.

Two harpists, Fruehwald and her student, Beth Roethemeyer, will be featured in "Gymnopedies" by Erik Satie. The composition, originally written for piano, was orchestrated by Debussy for strings, woodwinds, cymbal and two harps.

Another French composition, the "Havanaise" by Saint-Saens, will showcase solo violinist Dr. Ronald Francois, assistant professor of violin at the university.

The concert will open with three pieces played by the Central High School Orchestra under the direction of Steven Schaffner.

Tickets will be available at the door on the evening of the concert. Ticket prices are $5 or $3 for students and senior citizens. Admission is free with a university I.D.