Robert Hall Lewis: Nuances II/Symphony 2/Cto. For Chamber Orchestra
Liner Notes   Cat. No. NWCR596     Release Date: 2007-02-01

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; London Sinfonietta; London Symphony Orchestra; Robert Hall Lewis, Conductor

"Whale Lament” was commissioned by the National Whale Symposium held at the University of Indiana in November, 1975...This composition reveals stylistic tendencies which first appeared in my Second Symphony (1971) and were further developed in a series of works entitled Combinazioni and Osservazioni. In these more recent compositions, melodic material is often integrated with novel sound elements, two or more areas in different tempi may occur simultaneously, and subtle dynamic and textural gradations become essential features of the music.

In the slow second movement, a theme and four variations, humpback whale sounds become an integral part of the variation process. Excerpts of whale songs recorded near Bermuda by Dr. Roger Payne of the New York Zoological Society are presented in the more extended third variation as well as in the final measures of the movement. While the inclusion of whale sounds was not a condition of the commission, during the composition of this piece, I soon became aware of the expressive potential of this material. A variation consisting of quiet masses of strings and wind tremolo figures evolved after considerable thought to create the atmosphere for the taped whale songs. Bowed percussion instruments accompany these sounds in the concluding measures...

The Concerto for Chamber Orchestra was completed in July, 1967 in London... I intended my Concerto to be a brilliant showpiece for small orchestra. I later found that I had written a solo for almost every instrument of the orchestra; there may be heard, therefore, a combination of soloistic interjections with full ensemble texture...

Although some basic ideas for my Symphony No. 2 began to take form several weeks earlier, I began the actual composing in November, 1970. During the initial germination period, I was very concerned with the nature and potential of a symphonic work in the present era, given the remarkable musical developments of this century. A traditional classical scheme did not satisfy me, since such features as separate movements, recurrent sections and conventional thematic processes are no longer compatible with my musical attitude. While certain melodic elements were taking shape, I was also searching for unique textures and timbres to enhance the works interest and variety. A large-scale musical design of five main sections was finally evolved...   - Robert Hall Lewis

 

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. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.

Various Artists

Robert Hall Lewis: Nuances II/Symphony 2/Cto. For Chamber Orchestra

MP3/320 $9.99
FLAC $9.99
WAV $9.99
CD-R $9.99
CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print material or jewel case included.
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
   Liner Notes



Track Listing

Nuances II "Whale Lament": I - Adagio; Allegro Moderato
Robert Hall Lewis
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Nuances II "Whale Lament": II - Andante Espressivo
Robert Hall Lewis
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Nuances II "Whale Lament": III - Allegro Moderato; Adagio
Robert Hall Lewis
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Concerto for Chamber Orchestra: I - Adagio non tanto
Robert Hall Lewis
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Concerto for Chamber Orchestra: II - Allegro moderato
Robert Hall Lewis
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Concerto for Chamber Orchestra: III - Adagio grazioso; Allegro non troppo
Robert Hall Lewis
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Symphony No. 2
Robert Hall Lewis
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