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Sinfonia Concertante (1990) |
For solo oboe, solo horn, solo violin, solo 'cello and chamber orchestra - 14'
The form of this work belies it's classical title, in that there are two, rather than three movements. Added to this, the orchestra is more integrated with the solo group, rather than acting as the accompaniment to a virtuosic display by the soloist's. In the first movement the soloists are introduced individually, displaying strongly defined characteristics in their solos. They become integrated in the development of the music when atmospheric and kaleidoscopic sounds bring a focus on colour, even to the point of the two orchestral wind players acting as off-stage ghosts of the solo group.After a cadenza the soloists become protaganists in the second movement which follows a path of statements and episodes. Here all four soloists demonstrate their virtuosity to the full. The work was comissioned by Ross Pople with funds made available by the Arts Council and British Gas. It provided a happy opportunity to celebrate the outstanding qualities of the London Festival Orchestra, which brings together many of Britain's finest musicians.
© Edwin Roxburgh