Rip Van Winkle Overture

Composer: CHADWICK, George Whitefield
  • Chadwick wrote his concert overture, Rip Van Winkle, in 1879 as his capstone piece for his studies at Leipzig Conservatory.
  • Drawing inspiration from both Washington Irving’s famous tale and a popular play version of the story, Chadwick’s overture was well received and helped solidify the composer’s career once he returned to the United States.1
  • The opening cello melody portrays the title character, whose musical narrative is then carried out in a rich blend of European and American influences and techniques.2

Sources

  1. Byron Adams, “George Whitefield Chadwick, Rip Van Winkle Overture,” American Symphony Orchestra (2009), accessed November 17, 2022, https://americansymphony.org/concert-notes/rip-van-winkle-overture/.
  2. Michael Fleming, Essay in accompanying booklet, Chadwick: Melpomene/ Rip Van Winkle/Symphonic Sketches/Tam O’Shanter performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi, Chandos 10032, 2002, compact disc.

Cut IDs

43044