Trumpet Concerto
David Liptak
About this work:
Written for Eastman and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's former principal trumpet Paul Merkelo, the Trumpet Concerto of David Liptak was premiered by Paul Merkelo and the Rochester Philharmonic in April of 1996. Requiring technical brilliance from the soloist and flexibility on the part of the orchestra, the innovative and vibrant work alternates between subtle lyricism and anxious excitement. The first movement intersperses solo trumpet cadenzas, with ritornello-like orchestra passages that trade dissonant harmonies imitatively between various sections of the orchestra. The second movement, which is dedicated to late RPO cellist Lynn Kahle Richmond, reveals an innovative style in which lyrical orchestration alternately introduces and supports the solo themes. Ushered in by the cello section, the movement begins with somber and mysterious passage that leads to an upper-register trumpet solo. The movement employs dramatic emotional contrasts, mixing orchestral lyricism with aggressive soloistic articulation. This gives way to a fugue that culminates in rumbling outbursts from the bassoon. The final Presto movement builds into frenetic excitement with its combination of timpani and horns augmented by two rachets (gearlike percussion instruments) in competing polyrhythms. Fresh harmonic relationships ensue between solo trumpet and violas in contrary motion, as the drama and tempo mount towards its thrilling close.
-Dan Bara
Commissioned for Paul Merkelo by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Fromm Music Foundation. Published by Published by Keiser Classical; contact - 203-560-9436, joe@laurenkeisermusic.com
Year composed: 1996
Duration: 00:25:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Orchestra with Soloist(s)
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 2 Horn in F, 2 Trumpet,1 Trumpet soloist(s), 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Percussion (General), 24 Violin, 10 Viola, 10 Cello, 8 Double bass, 1 Harp