| Description
A
divertimento for orchestra. Difficulty:
3/5. Duration: 5’ 30”.
Instrumentation
2
Flutes
2 Oboes (2nd doubling English horn)
2 Bb Clarinets
2 Bassoons
3
Horns in F
2 Trumpets in Bb
Timpani
Strings
Program
Notes
arkexit is
essentially a piece made of pairs, with themes
announced by instrumental duos, accompaniments
in two parts, and orchestrations blending tandem
colors. This approach was born of reflection
on
the instrumentation for Beethoven’s Eroica symphony,
which defined the musical palette for tonight’s concert. Of course, one cannot
think about pairs for long without considering
the most famous ensemble of pairs in history:
those of Noah’s floating zoo. Hence the
title. Although no specific relationship is intended
between the music and details of the Deluge,
the
more metaphorically minded might find hints of
a playful romp after long confinement, or delight
found in the freshness of air and sky on the
first
sunrise after weeks of rain. Let your imagination
take you where it will!
Commision
and Performance History
arkexit
was premiered on August 4, 2002 by the Topanga
Symphony with Jerome Kessler conducting.
Reviews
“The
program opened with the world premiere of arkexit,
a delightful and witty work by J.A.C. Redford,
prolific composer for film and television, who
was present at the concert and received a well-deserved
ovation.”
—
Messenger: The Santa Monica Mountains News
and Arts Publication, August 12, 2002 |
