One bride for sale or exchange

I would like to open with the admission that I once impressed the hell out of my music history professor because not only had I heard of Dvorak, I knew who Smetana was. To paraphrase the man who has practically become the Ain’t Baroque mascot, Eddie Izzard: two Czech composers in one head? No one can live at that speed! I really should have gone to a different college.

If you, too, have a bride for sale or exchange, perhaps you might consider this week’s BSO concert. Officially it’s called “Brahms’ Second Symphony,” but who cares* about the little b (b minor?)? Smetana’s The Bartered Bride is the thing to hear, although I wouldn’t discourage your ears from taking in Bruch’s second violin concerto; I’m fond of it myself.

I’m also extremely fond of Vienna — it was my favorite part of my trip through Germany and Austria way back in 2004 — and it just so happens that the conductor’s podium will be occupied by Cornelius Meister, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. In a word: yes.

Concerts are on Thursday, April 28 at 8 pm (Wine Night!) and Friday, April 29 at 8 pm at the Meyerhoff, and then one at Strathmore at 8 pm on Saturday, April 30. If you see a little old man wearing an awesome patterned bow tie, you should tell him all about your knowledge of Czech composers.

* Rhetorical question.