Improvisations and Allegro

Improvisations & Allegro on a Theme by Handel (2016)

for string orchestra

Duration: c. 7 minutes

These two movements, inspired by the works of G. F. Handel, were composed in summer 2015.

‘Improvisations’ is based on two bars from the first movement of Handel’s Sonata in G minor, HWV 356a. Transposed through a cycle of fifths, the musical phrase is developed in miniature concertante form: soli viola and cello alternating with full strings.

The ‘Allegro’ section, derived from Handel’s Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord (1705), is in binary form: two related sections both repeated. With a slight nod to the 18th century affinity with the land of Egypt, the music gains extra energy with a vigorous, driving 13/8 rhythm of Middle Eastern origin.

First performed by Welsh Sinfonia conducted by Mark Eager on 6 October 2016 at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Robin Stowell (Leader), Matthew Everett, Elizabeth French, Elizabeth Roberts, Sophie Silverstone, Sonia Parkinson (1st violins); Jane West, Tanwen Evans. Katy Rowe, Rebecca Bradley (2nd violins); Cecily Howick, Heather Hawken, Bridget Mansfield (violas); Lucy Simmonds, Abigail Blackman, Rachel Waters (cellos); Imogen Fernando (double bass)

Score

Orchestral parts

Orchestral parts available at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)

Performances

06.10.16	ABERYSTWTH	Arts Centre	Welsh Sinfonia, Mark Eager
07.10.16	BRIDGEND	Archbishop McGrath School	Welsh Sinfonia, Mark Eager
12.11.16	MILFORD HAVEN	Torch Theatre	Welsh Sinfonia, Mark Eager
18.11.16	LLANGOLLEN	Ysgol Dinas Bran School	Welsh Sinfonia, Mark Eager
24.02.17	BRADFORD-ON-AVON	Wiltshire Music Centre	Welsh Sinfonia, Mark Eager

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