Concerto For Orchestra (Orchestra)
David P. Sartor
About this work:
Concerto for Orchestra offers an emotional and colorful journey which springs from a motto found in the opening five measures of the work. The motto is introduced by unison flutes and passed to bassoons; the consequent phrase presented by violins in octaves serves to establish the tonal centers of G and Db as cornerstones of the composition. Thus is presented all the raw material necessary for the far-ranging exploration that is to come.
The Allegro that follows the introduction features a "primary" theme derived from the motto. The remainder of the twelve-minute work addresses both the motto proper and the derived primary theme, employing an eclectic palette ranging from the pointillistic to the lyrical. In the tradition of Bela Bartok's work of the same name, the themes are explored in a continuously unfolding development of both timbre and motive, painted in exotic textures that include piccolo and contrabassoon solos and even an extended tuba cadenza. Following the triumphant return of the primary theme, the final section of the work is marked by the extraction of the opening four pitches from the primary theme as a two-part ostinato in the upper strings and woodwinds while the brass powerfully restate the motto in augmentation and in canon. Despite an affirming cadence in Db near the end of the composition, the struggle between the tonal areas of G and Db remains unresolved until the final measure.
Year composed: 2001
Duration: 00:13:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: 3 Flutes (3rd also plays Piccolo)
2 Oboes
English Horn
2 Bb Clarinets
Bb Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon
4 F Horns
3 Bb Trumpets
2 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Timpani (4)
3 Percussionists, playing:
Vibraphone, Glock, Triangle, Bass Drum
Chimes, Crash Cymbals, Xylophone, Giant Tam-tam, Wood Block
Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine
Grand Piano
Strings