Celebration Overture, A
(2015)
by Nigel Hess
- Description
- orchestra
- Duration
- 6
- Genres
- Full Orchestra
- Instrumentation
- picc.2.2.2.bcl.2 - 4.3.2.btrbn.1 - timp - perc(2): 2 SD/bongo/susp.cym/glsp/cabasa/mark tree/tgl/bell tree - harp - strings
- Commission
- 'A Celebration Overture' was commissioned, with the support of The Rushworth Foundation, to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. The first performance was given by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Chief Conductor, Vasily Petrenko as part of Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 22 September 2015.
- First Performance
- 22.09.2015, Classic FM Live, Royal Albert Hall (London, United Kingdom): Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Vasily Petrenko
- Availability
Score and parts for hire
- Programme Notes
- I was delighted when the RLPO asked me to create a piece to celebrate their 175th anniversary with, as they requested, "some good tunes". I hope A Celebration Overture does just that, with its party atmosphere and exuberant playing in all the orchestral departments. The horn section is the first to introduce the "celebration" tune which is immediately picked up by the rest of the orchestra, and when the percussion join in with bongos and cabasa, the party has definitely started. Woodwind and solo strings introduce another optimistic theme which the brass section try to commandeer as their own before the opening material is revisited. A solo oboe introduces yet another tune - more plaintive and thoughtful - which is picked up by a flute and violin, but it is shortlived as the horns invite us back to the celebrations which gather apace to a breathless finale. Happy Birthday, RLPO!Nigel Hess