May it never be said that Riccardo Muti doesn't love the Windy City.
Donning a #19 Chicago Blackhawks sweater (personalized with "MUTI" on the back), on Thursday, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director led CSO musicians in a unique show of support for the Blackhawks' pursuit of yet another Stanley Cup.
The Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins are tied at 2-2.
Performing a classically-inspired rendition of "Chelsea Dagger," the song traditionally played at the United Center after every Blackhawks' goal, #19 and his 60-plus team were all smiles, indeed.
Much like the Blackhawks' own #19, Jonathan Toews, leads his team on ice, Muti and the CSO succeeded in giving the song nuances not heard in the original version. The performance, which was recorded for the entire team, preceded Thursday's rehearsal of Verdi's Four Sacred Pieces--in preparation for this weekend's concerts at Symphony Center.
"The CSO musicians and I are happy to honor and support another home team, the Chicago Blackhawks, with our music," Muti said. "They are a world-class hockey team, and we hope this recording demonstrates our support of them and their desire to bring the Stanley Cup back to this great city."
"As I keep hearing and seeing everywhere in Chicago," Muti noted, 'GO HAWKS!'"
"Chelsea Dagger"
Words and music by John Lawler
Based on a marching band arrangement by Paul Murtha
Percussion arrangement by Will Rapp
© 2006 EMI Music Publishing, Ltd.
Arrangement © 2013 EMI Music Publishing, Ltd.
Published by Hal Leonard Corporation
