Q: What’s your favorite classical song to listen to in the fall? 

A: I would suspect most classical music listeners would mention “Autumn” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons—a piece that makes me think of crowds scurrying to get out of the cold to meet up with friends or the hectic activity of falling leaves. The latter part of the movement evokes thoughts of harvesting crops, followed by a sedate celebratory gathering by the tired workers. Personally, my fall favorite is “Fantasia on a Theme” from Thomas Tallis and by Vaughn Williams. Although it’s not specifically about autumn, the piece calls to mind a transformation or changing of the season. The beautiful, stirring strings in the beginning lead to a grand climax. It’s based on a 16th-century English composer’s hymnal but is a classic that’s timeless and open to many interpretations. YouTube it—you’ll love it! 

—Anson Wong, President & Symphony Violinist, Folsom Lake Symphony, folsomlakesymphony.com 

Anson Wong photo by Charlene Taylor. Photo © Romashova_Nataliya - stock.adobe.com.