Composer

:

Lukas Foss

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1988

First Performance

:

August 25, 1988

Average_duration

:

4:14

For Lenny, variation on 'New York, New York' is a composition by Lukas Foss, an American composer, pianist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1977 as a tribute to Leonard Bernstein, a close friend and colleague of Foss. The composition was premiered on October 14, 1977, by the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta, at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. The piece is a set of variations on the famous song "New York, New York" by John Kander and Fred Ebb, which was originally written for the 1977 Martin Scorsese film of the same name. Foss's variation is a tribute to Bernstein's love for New York City, and the piece reflects the energy and vitality of the city. The composition consists of five movements, each of which is a variation on the original song. The first movement, "Introduction," sets the stage for the piece with a slow, contemplative melody that gradually builds in intensity. The second movement, "Fast," is a lively and energetic variation that captures the frenetic pace of the city. The third movement, "Slow," is a more introspective and melancholy variation that reflects on the quieter moments of life in the city. The fourth movement, "Jazz," is a nod to Bernstein's love of jazz music, and features a syncopated rhythm and improvisational solos. The final movement, "Finale," brings the piece to a rousing conclusion with a triumphant restatement of the original melody. Overall, For Lenny, variation on 'New York, New York' is a dynamic and engaging tribute to both Leonard Bernstein and the city he loved. Foss's use of variations on the original song allows him to explore a wide range of moods and emotions, from contemplative to exuberant, and the piece is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest musical figures of the 20th century.

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