Orchestra of the League of Composers: Wong, “Carnival Fever” (chamber orchestra version)

The Orchestra of the League of Composers, conducted by Louis Karchin, gives the New York premiere of Wong’s “Carnival Fever” (chamber orchestra version). “Carnival Fever” was inspired by “The Carnival at Rome,” a chapter from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Young Albert (the unknowing target of the Count’s schemes) and his friend Franz experience a carnival, which starts right after a grisly public execution.

The music depicts the contrast between illusion and reality. On the one hand, the carnival is a free spirited frenzy, spiraling out of control. Moments whip past at a brisk pace, filled with a whimsical, celebratory spirit. On the other hand, the Count’s secret agenda lurks behind the fun and games.

This theme of deceptive appearances can be seen in today’s times, especially with the internet and explosion of artificial intelligence. From deep fakes to AI avatars, we’re living in a time of online masks.