Germinate (Orchestra)

PROGRAMME NOTES

 

Kernels extracted from Beethoven’s Triple Concerto serve as the inspiration for each movement within Germinate, a new work for piano trio and orchestra. The chosen fragments are developed and extended across the piece, taking on a new life and character. Deeply embedded, any reminiscence of Beethoven, if at all discernible, is brief and fleeting, as the borrowed elements dissolve within the work.

 

How the separate voices interact, alternate and overlap each other drives and directs the music in various directions so, consideration of how the instruments should combine was ever-present in the compositional process: the ensemble, trio and three soloists all seeking to command attention. An energetic opening movement defines the stage as one entity, with spark-like chords and scalic passage-work. The second movement, softly spoken, focuses solely on the trio as a unit. The ensemble and solo piano float gracefully between the trio solo sections. Lively string pizzicatos begin the third movement, joined in turn, vibrantly by the soloists. Violin and cello each have a solo section followed by a return to the opening material, this time principally via the winds and piano. A rapid finale features a development of the low, oscillating rumble that I adore and admire in the Rondo of the Beethoven. Dark and explosive, it hurtles on to the end.