The Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; George Barati, conductor
Ulysses Kay’s Sinfonia in E was composed in 1950 during a stay in Rome. The first performance was given by the Eastman-Rochester Symphony Orchestra, Howard Hanson conducting, on May 2, 1951.
The composer describes his symphony as follows:
“The first movement (Larghetto) opens with long sustained lines in the horn and strings; as the movement continues it gains momentum through the introduction of smaller note-values. The fast second movement makes particular use of fugal principles. The third movement opens with a slow introduction; in the main body of the movement (Grazioso) melodic interest lies largely in the woodwind and brass sections of the orchestra; after a climax for full orchestra, there is a slow epilogue. The last movement is an animated finale.”
The form of Gordon Binkerd’s Symphony No. 2 is unusual in that it consists of only two movements and they are in the unexpected order, fast-slow. The architectural plan of this piece involves an opening fast movement of very large proportion, which generates much tension and excitement and culminates in a triumphant brass triad. From this peak the slow movement leisurely begins to unwind at considerable length. Near the end the orchestra is activated as the strings and brass break into a brief incandescence, and the alto flute then closes the movement in much the same way that it had opened it.
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Full liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Kay: Sinfonia in E/Binkerd: Symphony No. 2
| MP3/320 | $13.00 | |
| FLAC | $13.00 | |
| WAV | $13.00 | |
| CD-R | $13.00 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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Sinfonia in E: I. Larghetto
Ulysses Kay
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Sinfonia in E: II. Allegro pesante
Ulysses Kay
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Sinfonia in E: III. Adagio ‰ÛÒ Grazioso ‰ÛÒ Adagio
Ulysses Kay
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Sinfonia in E: IV. Allegro
Ulysses Kay
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Symphony No. 2: I. Moderately fast
Gordon Binkerd
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Symphony No. 2: II. Slow
Gordon Binkerd
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