Concerto Grosso for chamber ensemble

Commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association; Co-Commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and School, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc., and Omega Ensemble

INSTRUMENTATION

oboe, clarinet (alt. to oboe), harp, piano (alt. to harp), violin solo, string quintet

PROGRAM NOTE

Concerto Grosso is a two-movement work for mixed ensemble with a featured solo violin part. It is a contemporary take on the baroque practice of solo against ripieno dynamics, and improvisation in the solo part. The piece is composed in a way that allows the soloist to decide in the moment either to play what is on the page or to depart and add their own flourish against the ensemble backdrop — a kind of “choose your own adventure” spontaneity that can either blend or add unexpected textures.

The single wind instrument becomes a secondary solo line at times, adding color and counterpoint to the solo violin line. Both movements are shaped primarily by interweaving melodic lines that provide the form and build their emotional evolution.

PERFORMANCE NOTES

Oboe or Clarinet may be played, but not both; only the oboe part is included in the score. A B♭ Clarinet transposing part is included in the set of parts.

Harp or Piano may be played, but not both; because the parts differ, both are included in the score for reference.