Albéric Magnard: Hymne à Vénus Context Although now relatively unknown in modern programming, Albéric Magnard’s collection of works reflects the impressionistic and highly romantic stylings of turn-of-the-century French classical music. His expansive orchestral works, rich with harmony and textures, highlights his time studying under Vincent d’Indy and Jules Massenet whilst Read more…
Adolphus Hailstork: Three Spirituals for Orchestra Context Born in Rochester, New York in 1941, Adolphus Hailstork is one of the leading composers in the USA. He received his composition doctorate from Michigan State University, where he studied under Owen Reed. As well as studying at MSU, Hailstork also studied at the Read more…
Arthur Bliss: A Colour Symphony Context Although thoroughly represented on records from the 20th Century, Arthur Bliss’ works are seldom performed outside of the United Kingdom in the 21st Century. As a composer who took influence from composers such as Elgar, Stravinksy, Ravel, and Vaughan Williams, Bliss’ compositional style is quintessentially Read more…
Florence Price: The Oak Context Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887, Florence Beatrice Smith Price received early musical training from her mother. Price went to study at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1906 with a Soloist’s Diploma in Organ Performance, and a Teacher’s Diploma in Read more…
Leonard Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Context Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on August 25th, 1918. The son of Ukrainian Jewish parents, Bernstein’s interest in music education was initially opposed by his father, who was a businessman in the area. His father’s attitude began to change Read more…
John Williams: Welcome to Jurassic Park Context Composed for the 1993 Steven Spielberg film Jurassic Park, the theme to the film has remained one of John Williams’ most iconic works. The soundtrack was conducted a month after its composition, with Williams conducting a large proportion of the recording. However, after Read more…
Valentin Silvestrov: Hymn Context Composed in 2001, Valentin Silvestrov’s heart-wrenching Hymn is scored for string orchestra. Described as a ‘noble song of praise’, Hymn works with textures and atmospheres to create a cohesive piece of music. Silvestrov writes this at the front of the score: “My Hymn is enveloped Read more…
Nikolai Myakovsky: Symphony No.10 Context The aptly named “Father of the Soviet Symphony”, Nikolai Myakovsky, composed 27 symphonies in total. The tenth, composed between 1926-27, Myakovsky was inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s poem The Bronze Horseman. The story tells of a man whose fiancé is drowned by the 1824 River Neva Read more…
Rachel Portman: Theme from Emma Context Rachel Portman wrote the score for the 1996 film Emma and was released in July of the same year by Hollywood Records. Portman commented on the style of the score saying that it was: “A purely classical score. It is an orchestral piece, Read more…
Ernest Moeran: Lonely Waters Context Published in a set of two piece for small orchestra, Ernest Moeran’s Lonely Waters was published in 1935. However, Moeran completed the work sometime in 1931, with the premiere taking place a year later in January 1932 at The Queen’s Hall. Lonely Waters is dedicated Read more…