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Chicago Symphony Orchestra

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, CSO for short, is an American symphony orchestra in downtown Chicago. It was founded in 1891 by Theodore Thomas, at the invitation of the businessman Charles Norman Fay. The first concert was on 16 October 1891 at the Auditorium Theater. Since 1904 the orchestra has played in Orchestra Hall, part of Symphony Center, and in the summer at the Ravinia Festival. It is one of the Big Five, the five American orchestras often named as the best. It received the name Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1913.

Music and breakthrough

Successive chief conductors have shaped the orchestra. Frederick Stock led it from 1905 until his death in 1942. He was followed by, among others, Rafael Kubelík, Fritz Reiner, Jean Martinon, Georg Solti and Daniel Barenboim. Reiner made television appearances, the first in the orchestra's history. In 1971 Solti toured ten European countries with the orchestra, the first time it played outside North America. On its return home it received a ticker-tape parade. From 2010 to 2023 Riccardo Muti was chief conductor. Records released include Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra in 1956 and Debussy's Iberia in 1958.

Influence

The orchestra is known for a powerful, rich sound, especially from the brass. It plays the great symphonic repertoire, but also new music. For anyone looking at the history of pop music, it is an example of the classical world in which many pop and film composers were trained.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a recording of Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra and notice how the different orchestral groups take the lead in turn. Try to hear how the brass and the strings alternate.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists