Strange Paradise
Rafael Hernandez
About this work:
The title “Strange Paradise” is derived from an association made with the main theme of this work The theme is from Alexandre Borodin’s “Polovetsian Dances;” a theme that also happens to be the source material for the popular song “Stranger in Paradise” (from the musical, “Kismet”). I chose to use the “Polovetsian Dances” theme because, when I was younger, I used to hear it all the time on radio in both versions. This association with my youth led to the creation of materials for the work that were more “lick” and “riff” oriented. These “licks” and “riffs” give the work a “pop” flavor that is like a stranger in a paradise that is the concert hall.
Before its revision in 2003, this piece was titled "Inconnurvana".
Premiered, November 7, 2003
University of Iowa Symphony Band, Myron Welch, Cond.
Clapp Recital Hall, University of Iowa
Original version
Premiered August 2, 2001
Boston University Tanglewood Institute Wind Ensemble
Frank Battisti, cond.
Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood
Lennox, Massachusetts
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 07:00:80
Ensemble type: Band:Wind Ensemble
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 3 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 5 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 4 Horn in F, 4 Trumpet, 4 Trombone, 2 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 3 Percussion (General), 1 Piano