GRIEG From Holberg’s Time
BACEWICZ Concerto for String Orchestra
HERRMANN Psycho Suite for Strings
SHOSTAKOVICH Concerto for Piano, Trumpet, and Strings

“Chiaroscuro,” the Italian word for “light-dark,” is the treatment of light and shadow in paintings. The technique, pioneered by artists like Rembrandt, achieves a life-like, three-dimensional effect through the use of contrasting shades and colors.

The use of contrast is equally as important in music. In NOW’s season opener, we explore four outstanding musical works that embrace contrast in their musical narratives and confront the listener with tension and conflict before eventually restoring balance.