Intermediate Orchestra

Programme notes

NYIO have prepared a varied and challenging programme demonstrating a range of musical styles. The first term is always demanding with many new players and the orchestra taking time to gel together, but it's been great to see the orchestra's progression this term!

Overture: Coriolan, Op. 62

We begin with Beethoven's 'Coriolan Overture'. Composed in 1807, the piece was written for Heinrich Joseph von Collin's play, inspired by Shakespeare's tragedy Coriolanus. The Overture captures the intense emotions and conflicts found in the story of the Roman general Coriolanus, who struggles with his loyalties to his country and his own pride. The music opens with ominous held string octaves followed by short stabbed chords for tutti orchestra. The Overture follows a sonata form structure with two main subjects. The powerful first subject with its driving rhythms portrays Coriolanus' military strength and ambition. The contrasting second subject is more tender and lyrical, suggesting the character's vulnerability and inner turmoil. After developing the themes, the music concludes with more stabbed chords and a haunting cello theme, coming to a close with pizzicato strings representing final heartbeats.

An American in Paris Suite

In his tone poem 'An American in Paris', Gershwin invites the listener to embark on a journey through the bustling streets of Paris in the 1920s. Inspired by the composer's own experiences in the French capital, the piece paints a musical portrait of a young American's adventures and encounters, blending classical and jazz influences to create an unmistakably American sound. The music begins with a lively and bright introduction, featuring the sounds of Paris, including the car horns that were a common feature of city life. As the piece progresses, Gershwin introduces themes representing the American character such as syncopated rhythms and blues motifs. The music builds to climactic passages marked by lush orchestration and dynamic contrasts, immersing the listener in the vibrant atmosphere.

Interstellar - Suite for Orchestra

Set in a dystopian future where the world is suffering from catastrophic famine, the film 'Interstellar' follows a group of astronauts in search of a new home for mankind. Hans Zimmer scored the film and was tasked with composing the main theme before knowing anything about the plot other than two sentences of dialogue as a prompt: "I'll come back" and "When?"

The Suite emerges gently from nothing and is built in a minimalist style where an entire piece can evolve from a tiny repeating fragment of music. The drama builds, aided by added dissonances to traditional chords, swirling woodwind motifs and sustained string phrases. The brass and percussion play passages reminiscent of Holst's 'The Planets'.

Sleigh Ride

We finish the concert with some lighthearted festivities. 'Sleigh Ride' by Leroy Anderson was written for the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1948 and depicts a wintery ride through the snow. The piece is in Rondo form with a recurring main theme. 'Sleigh Ride' features various sound effects throughout such as the 'clip clop' and 'whinney' of the horse and the famous percussive whip cracks.