Ralph Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.4 Context Composed in 1935, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fourth Symphony is one of his most dissonant and dramatic. The work was dedicated to fellow composer, Arnold Bax. Many think of Vaughan Williams as a ‘pastoral’ composer, with his works oozing modality, melodic excitement and English folk Read more…
Dmitri Shostakovich: Jazz Suite No.1 Context Composed in 1934 when Dmitri Shostakovich was 28 years old, his Jazz Suite No.1 was part of his genre-bending stage. The first performance of the work took place on March 24th, 1934 in Leningrad. The orchestration is not for a regular orchestra. Shostakovich handpicks Read more…
Bedřich Smetana: Vltava Context Composed as part of Má vlast (My Homeland), Vltava is the second work of a set of six symphonic poems by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The poems were composed between 1874-1879. Although now often performed as a single work in six movements, Smetana conceived them all Read more…
Bedřich Smetana: Vyšehrad Context Composed as part of Má vlast (My Homeland), Vyšehrad is the first of a set of six symphonic poems by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The poems were composed between 1874-1879. Although now often performed as a single work in six movements, Smetana conceived them all as Read more…
Bedřich Smetana: Blaník Context Composed as part of Má vlast (My Homeland), Blaník is the sixth work of a set of six symphonic poems by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The poems were composed between 1874-1879. Although now often performed as a single work in six movements, Smetana conceived them all Read more…
Jennifer Higdon: All Things Majestic Context Composed in 2011 from a commission by the Grand Teton Music Festival, Jennifer Higdon’s orchestral suite All Things Majestic is a provocative four movement work. All Things Majestic was premiered at Walk Festival Hall on August 19th, 2011. The music tells of some of Read more…
Carl Davis: Cranford Theme Context Carl Davis CBE (1936-) is an American-born conductor and composer. He has lived in the UK since the early 1960s. Perhaps best-known for his silent movie music, Davis is also celebrated for his television and film music. Notable television series that Davis worked on include Read more…
Bedřich Smetana: Tábor Context Composed as part of Má vlast (My Homeland), Tábor is the fifth work of a set of six symphonic poems by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The poems were composed between 1874-1879. Although now often performed as a single work in six movements, Smetana conceived them all Read more…
Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus Overture Context Operettas became popular in Europe from the 1850s, with the quick theatrical pace and comedic plot lines pleasing audiences for years. The infectious melodies that dominated operettas from this time fitted really well with the waltzes and polkas that Strauss had been pleasing Read more…
Johann Strauss II: Tausend und eine Nacht Context Translated as ‘Thousand and One Nights’, Johann Strauss II composed this famous waltz in 1871. The melodies for this waltz came from his first operetta Indigo und die vierzig Räuber (‘Indigo and the Forty Thieves’). Though a triumph for the composer, the Read more…