Work
Landscape Songs
for orchestra
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About
Landscape songs was commissioned by St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra in 2006, and is scored for strings, woodwind, horn and timpani. The work uses melodic and rhythmic ideas that reflect the land and waters of New Zealand. The first section is sombre and slow moving, and progressively layers melodic fragments of birdsong, chants, and dissonant chords over the bass and timpani line. A slower and more reflective middle section uses orchestral soloists in long recitative-like passages that are accompanied by plainsong harmonies in parallel fifths and string harmonics in the orchestra. The final section is fast and driving in nature, with syncopated rhythms, shrill woodwind lines, and ostinato accompaniment. The work closes with a return to the brooding harmonies of the opening section.
Commissioned note
Commissioned by St. Matthew's Chamber Orchestra
Difficulty note
community orchestra with good horn player
Dedication note
To St. Matthew's Chamber Orchestra
Contents note
single movement work
Performance history
20 Aug 2006: Performed by the St. Matthew's Chamber Orchestra conducted by Owen Clarke at St. Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland.