Composer

:

Emma Lou Diemer

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

16:15

The Concerto in One Movement for Organ and Chamber Orchestra Alaska is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Emma Lou Diemer. The piece was composed in 1990 and premiered on March 1, 1991, by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, with organist J. Michael Barone as the soloist. The concerto is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 20 minutes. It is scored for solo organ and chamber orchestra, consisting of two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, percussion, and strings. The concerto is characterized by its use of contrasting textures and colors, as well as its incorporation of Alaskan folk melodies and rhythms. The piece opens with a slow, mysterious introduction, featuring the organ and strings. This leads into a lively and rhythmic section, featuring the full orchestra and organ. The middle section of the concerto is more introspective, with a solo organ passage that gradually builds in intensity. The final section of the concerto is a fast and energetic finale, featuring the full orchestra and organ. Throughout the concerto, Diemer makes use of the full range of the organ, from its deep, rumbling bass notes to its bright, sparkling upper registers. The orchestration is colorful and varied, with the different instruments often playing off of each other in intricate and complex ways. Overall, the Concerto in One Movement for Organ and Chamber Orchestra Alaska is a dynamic and engaging work that showcases both the virtuosity of the solo organist and the versatility of the chamber orchestra. Its incorporation of Alaskan folk elements gives the piece a unique and distinctive character, while its modernist sensibilities ensure that it remains relevant and exciting to contemporary audiences.

More....