Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through contemporary classical music with the BBC Symphony Orchestra's 2017 release on Bridge Records. This album presents two distinct yet equally compelling works: Melinda Wagner's "Concerto for Flute, Strings & Percussion" and Poul Ruders' "Concerto in Pieces."
Wagner's concerto is a dynamic exploration of the flute's expressive range, accompanied by a rich tapestry of strings and percussion. The piece unfolds in a series of vivid, contrasting movements, each revealing new facets of the flute's character and the orchestra's versatility. From the playful and warm to the sad and simple, Wagner's composition is a testament to her innovative approach to contemporary classical music.
Ruders' "Concerto in Pieces" is a bold and imaginative work that defies traditional concertos' conventions. The piece is structured as a series of variations, each with its unique tempo, character, and mood. The BBC Symphony Orchestra masterfully navigates through these diverse sections, showcasing their technical prowess and musical sensitivity.
With a total runtime of 55 minutes, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The BBC Symphony Orchestra's impeccable performance brings these modern classics to life, making this a must-listen for fans of contemporary orchestral music.
2017 Bridge Records2017 Bridge Records
Tracks
I. PlayfulMelinda Wagner, Paul Lustig Dunkel, Westchester Philharmonic, Mark Mandarano
II. Sad, Simple, WarmMelinda Wagner, Paul Lustig Dunkel, Westchester Philharmonic, Mark Mandarano
III. Quarter Note = 100Melinda Wagner, Paul Lustig Dunkel, Westchester Philharmonic, Mark Mandarano
Theme & Var. 1, Vivace maestosoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 2, Vivace scherzandoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 3, Parlando alla brevePoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 4, Largo recitativoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 5, Allegretto capricciosoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 6, Martellato ferocePoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 7, Andante lamentosoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 8, Adagio lontanoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 9, IntermezzoPoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Var. 10, Finale fugato vivacePoul Ruders, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis
Poul Ruders on His Background and Concerto in PiecesPoul Ruders, David Starobin
Melinda Wagner on Her Background and Concerto for Flute, Strings & PercussionMelinda Wagner, David Starobin