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Hannu Lintu and the BBC Symphony Orchestra Perform the UK Premiere of Bernard Rands's Symphonic Fantasy

Feb. 18, 2024

On February 16, The BBC Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Hannu Lintu, performed the UK premiere of Bernard Rands's Symphonic Fantasy at the Barbican in London. Symphonic Fantasy was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall in April 2022, under the baton of Alan Gilbert. Rands describes his inspiration for the work:

"The idea for a one-movement work stems from my personal affection for the Sibelius 7th Symphony. Using an orchestra smaller than I normally prefer, it more resembles a 'Classical' instrumental ensemble and in keeping with that choice, I opted to explore the iconic classical sonata form.

Each of the three main sections, which are clearly articulated, is a 'mini' sonata form design, thus allowing for an extended range of compositional opportunities – for example non-linear juxtapositions, unpredictable appearances and developments of musical 'objects'."

The concert can be heard in its entirety on BBC Sounds here.

In addition, on February 20, saxophonist Phil Pierick will perform Rands's Memo 6 at the Butler Arts and Events Center in Indianapolis. The concert is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed here.


John Sampen performs Bernard Rands's Memo 6

Additionally, on February 26 at 8:00 PM CT, ~NOIS Saxophone Quartet's live performance of Rands's PRISM (Memo 6b) will be broadcast on the "Live from WFMT" series hosted by Kerry Frumkin on WFMT Chicago. Click here to listen.

On February 29, the De Paul University Orchestra, conducted by Michael Lewanski, will perform Rands's AURA and Tre Canzoni Senza Parole, and the De Paul University Wind Symphony, conducted by Erica Neidlinger, will perform Ceremonial for wind band at the Holtschneider Performance Center, Gannon Concert Hall.

Finally, Oberlin Music will release "String Theory" on March 1. The album features Bernard Rands's Music for Shoko Aubade (2017) for English horn and string quartet. Links to pre-order the recording will be available soon.

To learn more about Bernard Rands, visit: schott-music.com.

Bernard Rands
Symphonic Fantasy (2019)
in one movement 
for orchestra
2.2.2.2-4.3.2.btbn.0-timp-perc-hp-str
20'

Memo 6 (1998)
for solo alto saxophone
9'

PRISM (Memo 6b) (2008)
for saxophone quartet
13'

AURA (2021)
for orchestra
3.2.3.2-4.3.2.btbn.0-timp.3perc(I: vib, bng, b.d, sus cym w/ sizzles; II: s.d, lg bng, claves, 2tri, 1 tub-bell (F4), tam-t; III: xylo, glsp, 2tom-t, maracas)-hp.pno-str
11'

Tre Canzoni Senza Parole (1992)
for orchestra
2.afl.2.ca.3.bcl.2-4.3.3.1-timp.3perc(vib, tub bells, tri, bng, tamb, b.d, tam-t)-2hp(2nd ad lib)-str
7'

Music for Shoko: Aubade (2017)
for English horn and string quartet
derived from the second movement of Concerto for English Horn and Orchestra
8'

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