Suite for Orchestra

About:  My first orchestral work, the 5-movement suite is tied together by a brass chorale, fragments of which emerge in each movement in some form. Movement I begins with this chorale theme, followed by an optimistic “game”. The inner movements are more delicate and ponderous: movement II is a slow, wistful waltz for the orchestra, while movement III is a quick playful scherzo with sinister undertones. The somber elegiac march of movement IV brings the suite to a thunderous climax, then echoes the chorale theme like a distant memory. As the fifth movement begins attacca, we hear the brass chorale in its final form, which gives way to a rough and rustic dance.

Premiere:  The Biola Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nathan Cottrell on November 21st, 2011 at Biola University’s Lansing Auditorium, La Mirada, CA.

Instrumentation:  2[2+pic].2[2+eh].2.2 / 4.2.3.1 / timp+3 / hp / strings

Duration:  ca. 15 minutes