Transformation 21
op. 92, 2021
For Wind Orchestra
Duration: 5 min
Instrumentation: 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet (Es), 5 clarinets (B), 1 bass clarinet (B), 1 bassoon, 4 horns, 4 trumpets, 2 flugelhorns, 3 trombone, 1 bass trombone, 2 tenor horns, 1 baritonhorn, 1 tuba (B), 1 tuba (F), 1 Contrabass
Commissioned by the Sächsischen Bläserphilharmonie on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution
Wolrd premiere at 6. November 2021 in Deutsche Bläserakademie, Bad Lausick
Orchestra: Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie
Conductor: Konstantia Gourzi
Composer’s Notes
Transformation 21 for wind orchestra is inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821, and the inner flame it ignited in all of us. This composition is commissioned by the Saxon Wind Philharmonic Orchestra to celebrate the Greek Revolution’s 200th anniversary.
The dramaturgical idea of the composition is to develop an inner sonic sequence, that longs and aims for freedom. I wanted the work to tell a story that first describes the inner, threatening pressure of the people and then, developing from this, announces the path to freedom. At the beginning, a dramatic mood is created by inarticulate, but strong percussion sounds and humming brass. As the composition develops, an increasing sound flow of diverse timbres, melodies and rhythms emerges. These, despite the short duration of the composition, describe the course of a liberation.
This work belongs to a cycle of compositions written in 2021 and dedicated to Greece. This cycle also includes the eight Songs for Hellas, and the three songs of Hydra – The Rock of Freedom.
The ostinato is played either by the pianist (who may accompany the soloist in a duo program), by another string instrument, or by a taped ostinato, played over loudspeakers.
Photo: Archive Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie