Program Biography:
At Downers Grove North, Emilija has served as the principal bassoon in the Wind Ensemble and District 99 Symphonic Orchestra. Additionally, Emilija has performed with the DGN Pep Band, Jazz Lab Band, Pit Orchestra, Varsity Woodwind Quartet, Varsity Woodwind Quintet, Bassoon Duet, and the Trojan Marching Band where she was co alto saxophone section leader her junior and senior years. Through DGN, Emilija has participated in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest where she has earned, two division II's, six division I's, including three perfect scores, and one best in-room citation. Additionally, Emilija has participated in ILMEA District and All-State festivals since her sophomore year placing principal in District Orchestra and Band her junior and senior years respectively. Outside of DGN, Emilija has participated in Merit School of Music since her junior year. In her senior year, she became bassoon section leader and principal in Wind Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Key Clickers Woodwind Quintet. This year, Emilija also played principal bassoon in Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Take 13347 Woodwind Quintet.
Emilija would like to thank Mr. Teague and Mr. Smith for this opportunity and for their constant support, encouragement, and inspiration. She would also like to thank her past private teacher, Mrs. Diane Remillard, her current private teacher, Dr. Jonathan Saylor, and her family for always being there to support and encourage her every step of the way.
Program Notes:
This evening Emilija will be performing Movement 1 of Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in F Major. Carl Maria von Weber was born in 1786 in Germany and died in 1826 in London. Weber was born into a musical and theatrical family. When Weber began showing signs of musical talent, his father who wanted him to become a musical prodigy ensured that Weber had music lessons. When Weber began composing at the age of twelve, he began composing at the end of the Classical Era. His later compositions were composed in the transition between the Classical Era and the Romantic Era. This meant that music was becoming more expressive, dramatic, and sometimes nationalistic. While Weber influenced many romantic composers including, Berlioz, Wagner, and Mendelssohn with his instrumental works, Weber is especially noted for his operas and is considered to be the father of German Romantic opera.
Originally scored for bassoon and orchestra, Weber’s Bassoon Concerto in F Major took only four days to write and was originally published in 1811 for the German bassoonist Georg Friedrich Brandt. It was later revised in 1822 before the work was published. Weber’s Bassoon Concerto, as noted in the preface to the piece, ranks second only to Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in importance. Weber’s Bassoon Concerto consists of three movements: I. Allegro ma non troppo (F Major), II. Adagio (Bb Major), and III. Rondo: Allegro (F Major). The first movement is written in classic sonata form and features a march-like introduction and a militaristic opening from the soloist, highlighting Weber’s love for opera. The first movement features many technical runs, arpeggios, and jumps between registers.
