violinist composer conductor
HALO
for symphony orchestra
2010
Orchestra: 2(2dbl. alto),picc.,2,C.A.,2,BCl. In Bb,2,C-bs.;4,3(3dbl. Cornet in Bb),3,1;Timp.,2perc.,Hp.,P-no;strings
Commission: London Symphony Orchestra / Helen Hamlyn Trust
Duration: 10 minutes
Premiere: 13 March 2011, Barbican Hall, London Symphony Orchestra, conductor: Clemens Schuldt
The title refers to the circular band of coloured light around a light source. It's geometric perfection, ethereal quality and chromatic instability are what the music alludes to, while the inner structure explores symmetry on a conceptual level.
From the opening chord, which felt like a sharp burst of light - similar to the sensation one feels when they first emerge out of a dark room - to the pulsating sensations created with the use of timpani and flexatone, the audience felt the emergence of light.
...this composer is clearly one who already understands the craft of orchestration and who does not fear bold gestures. I suspect that we shall hear more from him.
available on:
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA / FRANÇOIS-XAVIER ROTH:
THE PANUFNIK LEGACIES
MAISTOROVICI: Halo for symphony orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra
François-Xavier Roth, conductor
Other works by: Andrew McCormack, Christian Mason, Charlie Piper, Eloise Nancie Gynn, Edward Nesbit, Jason Yarde, Martin Suckling, Christopher Mayo, Elizabeth Winters
LSO Live, 2013