Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra

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The Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra is a double

wind ensemble was written by Mark Lortz,[3] which debuted at Peabody Institute in 2005.[4]

Orchestration

The concerto is scored for a large orchestra with particular emphasis on percussion:[5]

Structure

Glass wrote this work in standard three-movement concerto format.

Movement I

The first

strings and brass proceed to develop this statement while the soloists provide relatively constant rhythmic undertone. After perhaps two minutes, woodwinds introduce a new, less fierce theme which leads into a slightly varied recapitulation of the first statement. Glass then inserts a characteristic series of chord progressions often present in his mature style. These rise in intensity, flying into a complex, ecstatic tutti. Playing throughout the majority of the movement, the timpani guide the orchestra into a quick descent, and, having quieted the ensemble, provide gentle pulse. Brass play some short chords, and then settle onto a lingering resolution
. The movement, approximately six minutes in length, draws to a tranquil close.

Movement II

The slow movement opens with a distant trumpet call, with both timpani playing quietly. This presents an ominous feel; the introduction closely resembles an approaching, marching army. Soon the strings play an eerie, shimmering accompaniment to this scene. A quiet woodwind section gives a low pulse typical of Glass, in accordance with a similar throb of the tambourines. Although there are periodic rises, there is no apparent climax and the movement concludes quietly. Its duration is nine minutes.

Movement III

A cadenza, for both timpani, opens the final movement. Occasionally it is set aside as a separate section of the concerto, but on most recordings, it is featured as part of the third movement. During the cadenza, both timpani engage in exchanges, whose character range from almost inaudible to deafeningly loud. At one point Glass instructs the timpanists to abandon their mallets and play with their bare hands, creating higher pitch.

The orchestra reenters with a sudden burst of

Rachmaninoff's
signature concerto ending, which is a similar burst of four notes.

Throughout the entirety of the last movement (and for much of the concerto), the timpani have intense, constant involvement, which is taxing for the performers. Therefore, this piece has developed a reputation of requiring energetic soloists.

Premiere

The concerto was premiered on November 19, 2000, in New York's Lincoln Center. The two soloists were Jonathan Haas and Svetoslav Stoyanov, playing with the American Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leon Botstein.[6] The work has become popular and was later performed by Haas and John Chimes with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop.[7] In addition, the work has been conducted under Gerard Schwarz, performed by Evelyn Glennie, Haas and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This work was also included in The Concerto Project, located on Volume I.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Home". www.wisemusicclassical.com.
  2. ^ "Jonathan Haas - Philip Glass Concerto for Two Timpanists and Orchestra".
  3. ^ "GLASS, P.: Concerto Fantasy for 2 Timpanists and Orchestra (arr. M. Lortz) / FAIROUZ, M.: Symphony No. 4 (University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, Popiel) - 8.573205". www.naxos.com.
  4. ^ "Local teacher's version of Glass' work to be played; Art Notes - Baltimore Sun, February 04, 2005".
  5. ^ "Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra | Philip Glass". www.wisemusicclassical.com.
  6. ^ "Philip Glass: Music: Concerto Fantasy for two Timpanists and Orchestra". Archived from the original on May 20, 2011.
  7. ^ "Philip Glass Concert: Live at the Barbican". 2001. BBC Television. Retrieved 14 February 2018. {{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)

External links

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