Astral Canticle Explained

Astral Canticle is a double concerto for violin, flute, and orchestra by the American composer Augusta Read Thomas. The work was Thomas's sixth and final commission by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra before she concluded her nine-year tenure there as composer-in-residence. It was first performed in Chicago on June 1, 2006, by the flutist Mathieu Dufour, the violinist Robert Chen, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the conductor Daniel Barenboim. The piece is dedicated to Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.[1] [2] The composition was a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Music.[3] [4] [5]

Composition

Astral Canticle has a duration of roughly 20 minutes and is composed in one continuous movement. Thomas described elements of the work in the score program notes, writing, "The title is derived from Astral — connected with the stars; and Canticle — denoting a song or chant." She continued:

Instrumentation

The work is scored for solo violin, solo flute, and an orchestra comprising piccolo, two additional flutes, three oboes, three clarinets, two bassoons (doubling contrabassoon), four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, three percussionists, harp, and strings.

Reception

Reviewing the world premiere, John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune called the strength of the piece "undeniable in this first performance." He wrote:Rhein added, "There's no doubt Astral Canticle will make its way through the orchestral world."[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thomas . Augusta Read . Augusta Read Thomas . 2005 . Astral Canticle . . January 24, 2016.
  2. Web site: Rhein . John von . Augusta Read Thomas 'leaps,' follows dreams . . May 28, 2006 . January 24, 2016.
  3. Web site: Oteri . Frank J. . Ornette Coleman Recording Wins 2007 Pulitzer Prize in Music . . April 16, 2007 . January 24, 2016.
  4. Web site: Delacoma . Wynne . Augusta Read Thomas concerto to receive world premiere by Lynn Harrell and BSO . The Classical Review . March 12, 2013 . January 24, 2016.
  5. Web site: Seelye . Katharine Q. . Barron . James . Wall Street Journal Wins 2 Pulitzer Prizes; History of Civil Rights Reporting Also Wins . . April 17, 2007 . January 24, 2016.
  6. Web site: Rhein . John von . Subject of death livens up part of CSO's performance . . June 3, 2006 . January 24, 2016.