The Symphony is an
orchestra
An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families.
There are typically four main sections of instruments:
* bowed string instruments, such as the violin, viola, c ...
l composition in four movements by the American composer
Christopher Theofanidis. It was commissioned by the
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is an American orchestra based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The ASO's main concert venue is Atlanta Symphony Hall in the Woodruff Arts Center.
History
Though earlier organizations bearing the same name date b ...
, which premiered the work under the conductor
Robert Spano in April 2009. The piece is dedicated to Robert Spano "in admiration and friendship."
[ Theofanidis, Christopher (2009)]
Symphony: Program Note by the Composer
Retrieved February 6, 2016.
Composition
The Symphony has a duration of roughly 35 minutes and is composed in four numbered
movements. The first movement has a duration of roughly 12 minutes; in the program notes, Theofanidis described it and the fourth movement as "the big pillars of the piece, both emotionally and in scale." The second movement has a duration of roughly 8 minutes and was described by the composer as "quite lyrical, but not slow." The third movement is a brief
scherzo-
ritornello
A ritornello (Italian; "little return") is a recurring passage in Baroque music for orchestra or chorus.
Early history
The earliest use of the term "ritornello" in music referred to the final lines of a fourteenth-century madrigal, which were usu ...
with a duration of only about 4 minutes. The final movement has a duration of roughly 10 minutes; the composer described its relation to the opening movement, writing:
Reception
Reviewing a 2011 recording of the Symphony, Jeff Dunn of the ''San Francisco Classical Voice'' wrote, "Listeners will find
heofanidis'sTexas toast of a Symphony No. 1 an instantly engaging experience." He added, "Throughout, the music will keep you upright in your seat and as happy as if you'd just watched another ''
Bourne Identity'' action flick. Whether you'll want to immerse yourself in further hearings, however, is a matter of taste."
Pierre Ruhe of ''ArtsATL'' opined, "There's much to admire, from its earnestness and craftsmanship to its engagement with a large canvas. Theofanidis' symphony takes a
Mahlerian view that the orchestra can express everything, which is filtered through symphonic Hollywood, from
John Williams
John Towner Williams (born February 8, 1932)Nylund, Rob (15 November 2022)Classic Connection review ''WBOI'' ("For the second time this year, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic honored American composer, conductor, and arranger John Williams, who wa ...
to
Tan Dun, with a heavy use (or overuse) of percussion for grandiose effect."
Joshua Kosman of the ''
San Francisco Chronicle
The ''San Francisco Chronicle'' is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. It was founded in 1865 as ''The Daily Dramatic Chronicle'' by teenage brothers Charles de Young and M. H. de Young, Michael H. de ...
'' also praised the work, writing:
Recording
A recording of the symphony, performed by Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, was released through the orchestra's label ASO Media on June 28, 2011.
References
{{portal bar, Classical music, Music
Compositions by Christopher Theofanidis
2009 compositions
Theofanidis 1
Music commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra