Dirge
Instrumentation: Orchestra (double winds [w. alto sax], harp, timpani, strings) Completed: December, 2004 Dedicated to: Henry Cheng and Heather Glynn Duration: 10 minutes Premiered: May 4, 2004 by the Henry Cheng Orchestra, Henry Cheng, conductor |
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Audio
The Henry Cheng Orchestra; Henry Cheng, conductor
Program Note
Dirge is the first of my orchestral pieces to be performed. It is a slowly unfolding work for a small orchestra that lasts about 10 minutes. It is constructed very simply, merely taking a three-note motive (found in the opening Flute solo) and transforming it throughout the work. The piece makes use of several drones, often found in the low strings, and also contains a quotation from Bach’s sixth Cello Suite (the Sarabande movement) found in both the solo ‘Cello and the solo Alto Saxophone. The piece is dedicated to Henry Cheng, without whose initiative and guidance this piece would not exist, and Heather Glynn, whose constant friendship is a source of strength and great comfort in my life. It is also dedicated to the memory of Paul Patrick Petersilia.
Performances (4)
| February 24, 2004, 11:30 pm (reading) | Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Ron Spiegelman, conductor Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY |
| April 7, 2004, 3:45 pm (reading) | Eastman Philharmonia; Clay Greenburg, conductor Annex 902, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY |
| May 4, 2004, 3:00 pm (premiere) | The Henry Cheng Orchestra, Henry Cheng, conductor Christ Church, Rochester, NY |
| May 19, 2007, 8:00 pm | The Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, Henry Cheng, conductor North Decatur Presbyterian Church, GA |