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​
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The word ‘halo’ refers to the circular band of coloured light around a light source, caused by the refraction and reflection of light by ice particles suspended in the intervening atmosphere. Its geometric perfection, ethereal quality and chromatic instability are what the music alludes to, while the inner structure of the piece is a musical speculation on the concept of ‘point within a circle’. The opening’s superimposed octaves are tribute to the great tradition of orchestral openings, coming from Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, through Mahler’s First Symphony to György Kurtág’s Stele.
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.