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Edición crítica de Juan Francisco Sans y Laura Pita. Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Teresa Carreño. Dir. Christian Vásquez. Sala José Félix Ribas del Teatro Teresa Carreño. Grabación en vivo el 14 de junio de 2015. Centro de Documentación del... more
Edición crítica de Juan Francisco Sans y Laura Pita.
Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Teresa Carreño.
Dir. Christian Vásquez.
Sala José Félix Ribas del Teatro Teresa Carreño.
Grabación en vivo el 14 de junio de 2015.
Centro de Documentación del Teatro Teresa Carreño
Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Teresa Carreño.
Dir. Christian Vásquez.
Sala José Félix Ribas del Teatro Teresa Carreño.
Grabación en vivo el 14 de junio de 2015.
Centro de Documentación del Teatro Teresa Carreño
Serenata para orquesta de cuerdas de Teresa Carreño. Edición de Juan Francisco Sans y Laura Pita. Revisión de Rodolfo Barráez. Edición de Cayambis Music Press.
WORLD/UK PREMIERE was 8th March, 2018, in Chichester Cathedral, with Strings of the University of Chichester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer (Jonathan David Little) Premiere performance video recorded by kind permission... more
WORLD/UK PREMIERE was 8th March, 2018, in Chichester Cathedral, with Strings of the University of Chichester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the composer (Jonathan David Little)
Premiere performance video recorded by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral, and of the performers.
*** SEE THE FULL LIVE PERFORMANCE AT: https://youtu.be/oajBje51U1M
ABOUT "SACRED PRELUDE":
Originally written for string quintet as “Opus 1”, this piece was recently arranged for full string orchestra by the composer (as Opus 15), working in conjunction with film orchestrator, Anthony Weeden (whose credits include Sherlock and The Theory of Everything).
A natural rubato is felt throughout this haunting, single-movement work for string orchestra. The sound is reminiscent of that of ancient church music. Written in the stile antico, it opens with a “Plainsong”, then comes the main central “Anthem”. There is a brief reprise of the opening theme, before the work closes with a more emphatic “Fantasia” (where the sense of rubato becomes almost improvisatory). The work, as a whole, may be said to comprise a poignant “prayer” for strings.
Note: There is the option for all parts to play the entire work con sord. (with the exception of the final violin solo – from bar 146); but the work should always be played as expressively as possible, throughout.
OPUS 15A IS A SIMPLIFIED VERSION of OPUS 15, MORE SUITED to AMATEUR STRING ORCHESTRAS, and/or WHERE REHEARSAL TIME IS VERY LIMITED. (The key signature is made more straightforward in this version, and various ossia and doubling options are also made available.)
SEE ALSO:
https://www.academia.edu/38536443/Sacred_Prelude_Op.15_for_String_Orchestra_WORLD_PREMIERE_PERFORMANCE_2018_UK_._MUSICAL_COMPOSITION_
AND:
https://www.academia.edu/38522941/Sacred_Prelude_Op.15_for_String_Orchestra_US_PREMIERE_PERFORMANCE_2019_._MUSICAL_COMPOSITION_
SCORE and PARTS PUBLISHED AT:
https://www.australiancomposers.com.au/collections/composers-and-authors/products/sacred-prelude-op-15
REVIEWS [of the original string quintet version]:
* "a beautiful serenade" - American Record Guide (USA), May-June 2012
* "yearningly lovely" - Music OMH (UK), November 2008
* "intensely ethereal" - Tempo (UK), January 2008
* "a work of beauty and sincerity" - conductor Robert Ian Winstin (USA), recording with string soloists of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006
About JONATHAN DAVID LITTLE:
The atmospheric and evocative music of Jonathan David Little, BMus(Hons), ThA, PhD, FLCM, FISM, FRSA, is notable for its mystical beauty, intensity, richness of material, and intricate craftsmanship. He was the first composer to receive a Professional Development Award from the UK music business’s own charity, the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, and in 2011 was awarded the prestigious Collard Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (est.1500). In 2016 he won a Royal Philharmonic Society "ENCORE Choral" Award (UK), in 2017 Special Distinction for his orchestral music in the ASCAP Rudolf Nissim Prize (USA) – and in January 2018 his polychoral Kyrie was nominated for "Best Classical Music Recording" at the inaugural RoundGlass Global Music Awards (USA-INDIA). His entire body of polychoral music was also nominated for the 2018 CHASS Australia Prize – the nation’s premier award in the Arts and Humanities. He has also received BBC, Fanfare, Authors’ Foundation, Chagrin, Bliss, Leighton Trust, and other distinguished awards in the UK, USA and Australia.
COMPOSER WEBSITE: www.JonathanLittle.org
Premiere performance video recorded by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral, and of the performers.
*** SEE THE FULL LIVE PERFORMANCE AT: https://youtu.be/oajBje51U1M
ABOUT "SACRED PRELUDE":
Originally written for string quintet as “Opus 1”, this piece was recently arranged for full string orchestra by the composer (as Opus 15), working in conjunction with film orchestrator, Anthony Weeden (whose credits include Sherlock and The Theory of Everything).
A natural rubato is felt throughout this haunting, single-movement work for string orchestra. The sound is reminiscent of that of ancient church music. Written in the stile antico, it opens with a “Plainsong”, then comes the main central “Anthem”. There is a brief reprise of the opening theme, before the work closes with a more emphatic “Fantasia” (where the sense of rubato becomes almost improvisatory). The work, as a whole, may be said to comprise a poignant “prayer” for strings.
Note: There is the option for all parts to play the entire work con sord. (with the exception of the final violin solo – from bar 146); but the work should always be played as expressively as possible, throughout.
OPUS 15A IS A SIMPLIFIED VERSION of OPUS 15, MORE SUITED to AMATEUR STRING ORCHESTRAS, and/or WHERE REHEARSAL TIME IS VERY LIMITED. (The key signature is made more straightforward in this version, and various ossia and doubling options are also made available.)
SEE ALSO:
https://www.academia.edu/38536443/Sacred_Prelude_Op.15_for_String_Orchestra_WORLD_PREMIERE_PERFORMANCE_2018_UK_._MUSICAL_COMPOSITION_
AND:
https://www.academia.edu/38522941/Sacred_Prelude_Op.15_for_String_Orchestra_US_PREMIERE_PERFORMANCE_2019_._MUSICAL_COMPOSITION_
SCORE and PARTS PUBLISHED AT:
https://www.australiancomposers.com.au/collections/composers-and-authors/products/sacred-prelude-op-15
REVIEWS [of the original string quintet version]:
* "a beautiful serenade" - American Record Guide (USA), May-June 2012
* "yearningly lovely" - Music OMH (UK), November 2008
* "intensely ethereal" - Tempo (UK), January 2008
* "a work of beauty and sincerity" - conductor Robert Ian Winstin (USA), recording with string soloists of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006
About JONATHAN DAVID LITTLE:
The atmospheric and evocative music of Jonathan David Little, BMus(Hons), ThA, PhD, FLCM, FISM, FRSA, is notable for its mystical beauty, intensity, richness of material, and intricate craftsmanship. He was the first composer to receive a Professional Development Award from the UK music business’s own charity, the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, and in 2011 was awarded the prestigious Collard Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (est.1500). In 2016 he won a Royal Philharmonic Society "ENCORE Choral" Award (UK), in 2017 Special Distinction for his orchestral music in the ASCAP Rudolf Nissim Prize (USA) – and in January 2018 his polychoral Kyrie was nominated for "Best Classical Music Recording" at the inaugural RoundGlass Global Music Awards (USA-INDIA). His entire body of polychoral music was also nominated for the 2018 CHASS Australia Prize – the nation’s premier award in the Arts and Humanities. He has also received BBC, Fanfare, Authors’ Foundation, Chagrin, Bliss, Leighton Trust, and other distinguished awards in the UK, USA and Australia.
COMPOSER WEBSITE: www.JonathanLittle.org
Extended composer interview and CD review [of "Polyhymnia: String, Choral and Orchestral Works of Jonathan Little"] by the UK music producer, publisher and the founder/director of Toccata Classics & Toccata Press, Martin Anderson.... more
Extended composer interview and CD review [of "Polyhymnia: String, Choral and Orchestral Works of Jonathan Little"] by the UK music producer, publisher and the founder/director of Toccata Classics & Toccata Press, Martin Anderson.
Anderson, Martin (2012) Jonathan Little and the Importance of Ecstasy [Interview and CD review]. Fanfare, 36 (1). pp. 58-72. ISSN 0148-9364
[INTERVIEW/REVIEW EXCERPTS:] "A new CD from the New Hampshire label Navona—a new name to me, I must admit—brings orchestral, chamber, and choral music from the British-based Australian composer Jonathan Little. His name, too, was new to me, but it’s obviously one that will make its mark. ... Jonathan Little issues from a similar school of sensibility to that of the “holy mystics” of Eastern Europe, composers like Arvo Pärt and Pēteris Vasks. … [Terpsichore is] an exuberant orchestral essay somewhere between Respighi’s evocations of ancient Rome and Villa‐Lobos’s representation of the Brazilian jungle. … The Sacred Prelude is dignified and sober, moving without being emotional … it is clear from this CD that his fine command of atmosphere and orchestral color ought to command a decent fee in Hollywood. ..."
PROJECT OVERVIEW: Recording of selected choral, string and orchestral works, including two major works from the projected "Nine Muses" series, 'Terpsichore' and 'Polyhymnia' - on: http://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv5867/
Little, Jonathan D. (2012) Polyhymnia: String, Orchestral and Choral Works of Jonathan Little (Navona, NV5867). [Audio CD]
SEE FULL CD DESCRIPTION & DOCUMENTS AT: https://www.academia.edu/38556929/POLYHYMNIA_String_Orchestral_and_Choral_Works_of_Jonathan_Little._North_Hampton_NH_USA_PARMA_Recordings_NV5867_2012_._AUDIO_CD_
YOUTUBE WORK LINKS (with SCORES):
1. POLYHYMNIA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPMHd8EFMlg&t=5s
2. TERPSICHORE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0flT7lJeR3U
3. FANFARE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc9OMDw86GQ
4. SACRED PRELUDE (string quintet version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leallMTWFIA
5. KYRIE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIpvPYo0NAw
RECORD LABEL DESCRIPTION: 'With works described as "an inspired creation" (Music & Vision), "original and quite brilliant" (Fanfare), and "immensely poetic" (Tempo), Jonathan Little has planted himself as a luminary contemporary composer. On POLYHYMNIA, his first release on Navona Records, Little is able to transform traditional influences into rich, intense, and finely structured music that lives up to his reputation. POLYHYMNIA features Polyhymnia and Terpsichore, two orchestral pieces from Little's Nine Muses series, along with the powerful Fanfare, the atmospheric string quintet Sacred Prelude, and the intricate polychoral Kyrie.'
CD / STREAMING LINKS:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8022196--polyhymnia
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Name/Thomas-Tallis-Chamber-Choir/Ensemble/247356-4
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polyhymnia-String-Orchestral-Choral-Jonathan/dp/B006O8K458
ALL YOUTUBE VIDEOS (with SCORES) - SEE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Musicalia65/videos
SELECTED REVIEW EXCERPTS:
* "Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending panorama: it is immensely poetic, almost otherworldly, and employs an exceptionally hypnotic array of musical colour." - Tempo, UK
* "Slick and beautifully executed material." - Babysue, USA
* "Beautiful, exciting, thrilling and remarkable in every sense...Jonathan Little has rightly earned the recognition he is now receiving, and this album is a clear example of his talent." - Reviews New Age, SPAIN
* "Little reflects on diverse influences...but adds a richness of coloration, dynamic shading and melodic inventiveness all his own. Small wonder that this Australian composer has gained several awards on both sides of the Atlantic." - Classical Music Magazine, UK
* "...full of rich string orchestra harmonies and based on some beautiful melodic ideas. The texture is rich, and the effect is quite moving..." - American Record Guide
* "...on every piece on this disc, you can hear the influence of ancient music. ... Yet, the final product sounds modern too, as Little adds his own personal elements to these sonic foundations: bursting through the panorama he paints with sudden flashes of light or menacing thunderbolts, and so projects the past into the future..." - Kathodik, ITALY
SEE ALSO:
https://www.academia.edu/38574912/Creating_and_Recording_Polyhymnia_Resonate_Magazine_22_Feb._2012_ONLINE_BLOG_ARTICLE_
AND:
https://www.academia.edu/38556929/POLYHYMNIA_String_Orchestral_and_Choral_Works_of_Jonathan_David_Little._North_Hampton_NH_USA_PARMA_Recordings_NV5867_2012_._AUDIO_CD_
KEYWORDS: "Jonathan David Little", composer, "Martin Anderson", reviewer, Fanfare Magazine, composer interview, choral music, contemporary choral music, orchestral music, contemporary orchestral music, string music, contemporary string music, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Fanfare, Sacred Prelude, Kyrie, Nine Muses, ecstasy, Tallis Chamber Choir, Kiev Philharmonic, Czech Philharmonic
(Full permission from the Owner/Editor of US Fanfare, Joel Flegler, has been granted to extract and make available to the public any interview or review material concerning the music of Jonathan David Little as it appears in Fanfare, and to cite it in full.)
Anderson, Martin (2012) Jonathan Little and the Importance of Ecstasy [Interview and CD review]. Fanfare, 36 (1). pp. 58-72. ISSN 0148-9364
[INTERVIEW/REVIEW EXCERPTS:] "A new CD from the New Hampshire label Navona—a new name to me, I must admit—brings orchestral, chamber, and choral music from the British-based Australian composer Jonathan Little. His name, too, was new to me, but it’s obviously one that will make its mark. ... Jonathan Little issues from a similar school of sensibility to that of the “holy mystics” of Eastern Europe, composers like Arvo Pärt and Pēteris Vasks. … [Terpsichore is] an exuberant orchestral essay somewhere between Respighi’s evocations of ancient Rome and Villa‐Lobos’s representation of the Brazilian jungle. … The Sacred Prelude is dignified and sober, moving without being emotional … it is clear from this CD that his fine command of atmosphere and orchestral color ought to command a decent fee in Hollywood. ..."
PROJECT OVERVIEW: Recording of selected choral, string and orchestral works, including two major works from the projected "Nine Muses" series, 'Terpsichore' and 'Polyhymnia' - on: http://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv5867/
Little, Jonathan D. (2012) Polyhymnia: String, Orchestral and Choral Works of Jonathan Little (Navona, NV5867). [Audio CD]
SEE FULL CD DESCRIPTION & DOCUMENTS AT: https://www.academia.edu/38556929/POLYHYMNIA_String_Orchestral_and_Choral_Works_of_Jonathan_Little._North_Hampton_NH_USA_PARMA_Recordings_NV5867_2012_._AUDIO_CD_
YOUTUBE WORK LINKS (with SCORES):
1. POLYHYMNIA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPMHd8EFMlg&t=5s
2. TERPSICHORE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0flT7lJeR3U
3. FANFARE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc9OMDw86GQ
4. SACRED PRELUDE (string quintet version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leallMTWFIA
5. KYRIE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIpvPYo0NAw
RECORD LABEL DESCRIPTION: 'With works described as "an inspired creation" (Music & Vision), "original and quite brilliant" (Fanfare), and "immensely poetic" (Tempo), Jonathan Little has planted himself as a luminary contemporary composer. On POLYHYMNIA, his first release on Navona Records, Little is able to transform traditional influences into rich, intense, and finely structured music that lives up to his reputation. POLYHYMNIA features Polyhymnia and Terpsichore, two orchestral pieces from Little's Nine Muses series, along with the powerful Fanfare, the atmospheric string quintet Sacred Prelude, and the intricate polychoral Kyrie.'
CD / STREAMING LINKS:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8022196--polyhymnia
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Name/Thomas-Tallis-Chamber-Choir/Ensemble/247356-4
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polyhymnia-String-Orchestral-Choral-Jonathan/dp/B006O8K458
ALL YOUTUBE VIDEOS (with SCORES) - SEE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Musicalia65/videos
SELECTED REVIEW EXCERPTS:
* "Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending panorama: it is immensely poetic, almost otherworldly, and employs an exceptionally hypnotic array of musical colour." - Tempo, UK
* "Slick and beautifully executed material." - Babysue, USA
* "Beautiful, exciting, thrilling and remarkable in every sense...Jonathan Little has rightly earned the recognition he is now receiving, and this album is a clear example of his talent." - Reviews New Age, SPAIN
* "Little reflects on diverse influences...but adds a richness of coloration, dynamic shading and melodic inventiveness all his own. Small wonder that this Australian composer has gained several awards on both sides of the Atlantic." - Classical Music Magazine, UK
* "...full of rich string orchestra harmonies and based on some beautiful melodic ideas. The texture is rich, and the effect is quite moving..." - American Record Guide
* "...on every piece on this disc, you can hear the influence of ancient music. ... Yet, the final product sounds modern too, as Little adds his own personal elements to these sonic foundations: bursting through the panorama he paints with sudden flashes of light or menacing thunderbolts, and so projects the past into the future..." - Kathodik, ITALY
SEE ALSO:
https://www.academia.edu/38574912/Creating_and_Recording_Polyhymnia_Resonate_Magazine_22_Feb._2012_ONLINE_BLOG_ARTICLE_
AND:
https://www.academia.edu/38556929/POLYHYMNIA_String_Orchestral_and_Choral_Works_of_Jonathan_David_Little._North_Hampton_NH_USA_PARMA_Recordings_NV5867_2012_._AUDIO_CD_
KEYWORDS: "Jonathan David Little", composer, "Martin Anderson", reviewer, Fanfare Magazine, composer interview, choral music, contemporary choral music, orchestral music, contemporary orchestral music, string music, contemporary string music, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Fanfare, Sacred Prelude, Kyrie, Nine Muses, ecstasy, Tallis Chamber Choir, Kiev Philharmonic, Czech Philharmonic
(Full permission from the Owner/Editor of US Fanfare, Joel Flegler, has been granted to extract and make available to the public any interview or review material concerning the music of Jonathan David Little as it appears in Fanfare, and to cite it in full.)
In Polyhymnia (one of the Nine Muses series) – a searing, many-layered “Lamentation for String Orchestra” (with soloists) – the melos or “melodic thread” often weaves between all parts, and is slow-moving throughout. Initially, it emerges... more
In Polyhymnia (one of the Nine Muses series) – a searing, many-layered “Lamentation for String Orchestra” (with soloists) – the melos or “melodic thread” often weaves between all parts, and is slow-moving throughout. Initially, it emerges like a cry from the deep. Tension is built, maintained, and released, over long periods. Leaving aside the (rather folk-like – or Celtic sounding) middle interlude, the whole work is effectively a series of extended “waves” – at times dissipating, before swelling and cascading forth again, towards a final powerful and sustained climax. Harmonically, the work makes great play of clashing semitones, and gradually builds up clusters of notes into evolving, everchanging, and ultimately resolving chord patterns. The string orchestra is employed multi-divisi throughout: there are four individual violin lines (besides an extra four solo parts), ditto in the violas, eight individual cello lines, and two bass lines. This tends to create a thick, rich and complex texture, yet there are also some exceptionally lucid passages – for although Polyhymnia is also the Muse of Eloquence, She is more often characterised as a serious, pensive and meditative holy woman (whose main role is to sing praises to the gods). According to some ancient sources, Polyhymnia (sometimes pronounced or abbreviated to “Polymnia”) is believed to have invented the lyre, and is also said to be an encourager of the dance.
RECORDING supported by an inaugural Musicians' Benevolent Fund Professional Development Award (MBF 90th anniversary, 2011) through the Willis and Grace Grant Charitable Trust (UK); and the University of Chichester through both Arts Research Fund and Research Incentive Fund Awards (UK).
AWARDS:
* Collard Fellowship of The Worshipful Company of Musicians 2011 (UK)
* PRS for Music Foundation / Bliss Trust Composer Bursary 2012 (UK)
* "Album des Mes en RNA (Febrero 2012)" (Album of the Month in Reviews New Age, February 2012); Nomination for 'Mejor Álbum RNA de Año' (Best Album of the Year) (Spain)
MAJOR REVIEWS:
Fanfare (USA), Vol.36: No.1 (Sept-Oct 2012), pp.58-72 - Feature article (includes extensive interview with Martin Anderson, and reviews by Anderson, Canfield and Nockin), and Fanfare (USA), Vol.36: No.2 (Nov-Dec 2012)
SELECTED INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS:
Byelick, Ira, ‘LITTLE: Polyhymnia …’ [CD Review], in “American Record Guide” (May/June 2012), pp.244-5 (USA) – “full of rich string orchestra harmonies and based on some beautiful melodic ideas. The texture is rich, and the effect is quite moving …”
Clavijo, Alejandro, ‘Jonathan Little: Polyhymnia’ [CD Review], in “Reviews New Age” (SPAIN) (February, 2012) [5/5 STARS: ALBUM OF THE MONTH; NOMINATED FOR BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR] – “Gorgeous, exciting, chilling and surprising … an elegant gift to the ears. There are no words to describe this work … superlative … spine-tingling … the complexity, the beauty, the elegance, the intensity … so otherworldly … indescribable”
Estren, Dr. Mark, ‘Modern but Accessible’ [CD Review], in “Infodad” (1st March, 2012) (USA) – “as warm and fervent as religious poetry … a sonic tour de force. Little is an expert orchestrator … clearly comfortable writing in multiple forms for many different instrumental and vocal combinations.”
Focosi, Filippo, ‘Jonathan Little “Polyhymnia” ’ [CD Review], in “Kathodik” (16th April, 2012) (ITALY) – “bursting through the panorama he paints with sudden flashes of light or menacing thunderbolts, and so projects the past into the future.”
Nockin, Maria, ‘Little: Polyhymnia …’ [CD Review] in “Fanfare” (USA), Vol.36: No.1 (Sept-Oct 2012). – “melodic figures coalesce into an enormous tapestry of musical color … eloquent and expansive … opulent sonorities. Little composes with a great array of technical skills and his works are both harmonically and contrapuntally pleasing.”
Wheatley, John, ‘Jonathan Little: Polyhymnia’ [CD Review], in “Tempo” (UK), Vol.67: No.259 (Jan. 2012) – “immensely poetic, almost otherworldly”.
Lamberti, Carlo, “Spazio della Musica” (6th July, 2015) [Special Birthday Tribute] (ITALY) – “... he deserves, in my opinion, to be counted among the "greats" of our century for the refinement of his musical texture. When a composer today pens such sweetness on a musical staff, we cannot help but be moved to true joy, because these are living moments of ecstatic beauty.”
RECORDING supported by an inaugural Musicians' Benevolent Fund Professional Development Award (MBF 90th anniversary, 2011) through the Willis and Grace Grant Charitable Trust (UK); and the University of Chichester through both Arts Research Fund and Research Incentive Fund Awards (UK).
AWARDS:
* Collard Fellowship of The Worshipful Company of Musicians 2011 (UK)
* PRS for Music Foundation / Bliss Trust Composer Bursary 2012 (UK)
* "Album des Mes en RNA (Febrero 2012)" (Album of the Month in Reviews New Age, February 2012); Nomination for 'Mejor Álbum RNA de Año' (Best Album of the Year) (Spain)
MAJOR REVIEWS:
Fanfare (USA), Vol.36: No.1 (Sept-Oct 2012), pp.58-72 - Feature article (includes extensive interview with Martin Anderson, and reviews by Anderson, Canfield and Nockin), and Fanfare (USA), Vol.36: No.2 (Nov-Dec 2012)
SELECTED INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS:
Byelick, Ira, ‘LITTLE: Polyhymnia …’ [CD Review], in “American Record Guide” (May/June 2012), pp.244-5 (USA) – “full of rich string orchestra harmonies and based on some beautiful melodic ideas. The texture is rich, and the effect is quite moving …”
Clavijo, Alejandro, ‘Jonathan Little: Polyhymnia’ [CD Review], in “Reviews New Age” (SPAIN) (February, 2012) [5/5 STARS: ALBUM OF THE MONTH; NOMINATED FOR BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR] – “Gorgeous, exciting, chilling and surprising … an elegant gift to the ears. There are no words to describe this work … superlative … spine-tingling … the complexity, the beauty, the elegance, the intensity … so otherworldly … indescribable”
Estren, Dr. Mark, ‘Modern but Accessible’ [CD Review], in “Infodad” (1st March, 2012) (USA) – “as warm and fervent as religious poetry … a sonic tour de force. Little is an expert orchestrator … clearly comfortable writing in multiple forms for many different instrumental and vocal combinations.”
Focosi, Filippo, ‘Jonathan Little “Polyhymnia” ’ [CD Review], in “Kathodik” (16th April, 2012) (ITALY) – “bursting through the panorama he paints with sudden flashes of light or menacing thunderbolts, and so projects the past into the future.”
Nockin, Maria, ‘Little: Polyhymnia …’ [CD Review] in “Fanfare” (USA), Vol.36: No.1 (Sept-Oct 2012). – “melodic figures coalesce into an enormous tapestry of musical color … eloquent and expansive … opulent sonorities. Little composes with a great array of technical skills and his works are both harmonically and contrapuntally pleasing.”
Wheatley, John, ‘Jonathan Little: Polyhymnia’ [CD Review], in “Tempo” (UK), Vol.67: No.259 (Jan. 2012) – “immensely poetic, almost otherworldly”.
Lamberti, Carlo, “Spazio della Musica” (6th July, 2015) [Special Birthday Tribute] (ITALY) – “... he deserves, in my opinion, to be counted among the "greats" of our century for the refinement of his musical texture. When a composer today pens such sweetness on a musical staff, we cannot help but be moved to true joy, because these are living moments of ecstatic beauty.”
The double bass is just different enough from the other string instruments that it can be mysterious to school orchestra directors whose primary instrument is not the double bass. Unlike the other instruments of the string family, the... more
The double bass is just different enough from the other string instruments that it can be mysterious to school orchestra directors whose primary instrument is not the double bass. Unlike the other instruments of the string family, the bass is tuned in fourths; the left hand is capable of spanning only a whole step without pivoting; there are different schools of thought on naming the positions, and there are even different bows (French and German). Because of these differences, ensemble parts written for the bass can present challenges and opportunities not immediately apparent to the nonbassist. As orchestra directors, we spend vast amounts of time researching repertoire for our groups. Whether we conduct beginning groups or advanced high school ensembles, we face many choices when choosing music. For example, many of us may look at the second violin part to determine if a piece will be something our least experienced violinists can handle that will also be rewarding for them to learn. Or we may look for a piece that includes a cello part that will showcase a strong cello section. It can be very beneficial to take the same approach to looking carefully at double bass parts in pieces arranged for school orchestra with the strengths and weaknesses of our bassists in mind. An awareness of what might make a bass part rewarding or challenging for young bass players can help lead to a successful experience for these musicians and for the whole group. There are three aspects worth considering when examining double bass parts to determine what kinds of things will play to the strengths of our young bassists, and what kinds of things can present challenges:
“Gorgeous, exciting, chilling and surprising … an elegant gift to the ears. There are no words to describe this work … superlative … spine‐tingling … There is just no classification for this work … Polyhymnia might be said to be the best... more
“Gorgeous, exciting, chilling and surprising … an elegant gift to the ears. There are no words to describe this work … superlative … spine‐tingling … There is just no classification for this work … Polyhymnia might be said to be the best to date in the extensive catalogue of Parma Recordings. Jonathan Little has rightly earned the recognition he is now receiving, and this album is a clear example of his talent. The versatility of the harmony, the complexity, the beauty, the elegance, the intensity … A host of adjectives are insufficient to categorise this otherworldly recording, which astonishes the listener from start to finish. There are no words … ”
– Alejandro Clavijo, in Reviews New Age (February, 2012) (Spain)
* "Album des Mes en RNA (Febrero 2012)" (Album of the Month in Reviews New Age, February 2012); Nomination for 'Mejor Álbum RNA de Año' (Best Album of the Year) (Spain)
– Alejandro Clavijo, in Reviews New Age (February, 2012) (Spain)
* "Album des Mes en RNA (Febrero 2012)" (Album of the Month in Reviews New Age, February 2012); Nomination for 'Mejor Álbum RNA de Año' (Best Album of the Year) (Spain)
St. Patrick's Day Concert in New York - Sunday March 17 at 3pm, 2019 - in the historic Christ and St. Stephen's Church (120 West 69th Street, NY 10023 - between Broadway and Columbus), Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York City (USA).... more
St. Patrick's Day Concert in New York - Sunday March 17 at 3pm, 2019 - in the historic Christ and St. Stephen's Church (120 West 69th Street, NY 10023 - between Broadway and Columbus), Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York City (USA).
North-South Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Max Lifchitz ("bringing the best in contemporary music to New York City audiences for almost 4 decades"). Maestro Lifchitz dedicated the performance to the memory of those who perished during the terrorist attacks on 15th March 2019, in Christchurch, New Zealand.
US PRESS PROMOTION:
1) Musical America Worldwide: https://www.musicalamerica.com/news/newsstory.cfm?archived=0&storyID=42276&categoryID=5
2) Broadway World: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/New-Chamber-Orchestra-Music-by-Composers-from-Australia-Ireland-and-the-US-Will-Perform-in-St-Patricks-Day-Concert-20190305
ABOUT "SACRED PRELUDE":
Originally written for string quintet as “Opus 1”, this piece was recently arranged for full string orchestra by the composer (as Opus 15), working in conjunction with film orchestrator, Anthony Weeden (whose credits include Sherlock and The Theory of Everything).
A natural rubato is felt throughout this haunting, single-movement work for string orchestra. The sound is reminiscent of that of ancient church music. Written in the stile antico, it opens with a “Plainsong”, then comes the main central “Anthem”. There is a brief reprise of the opening theme, before the work closes with a more emphatic “Fantasia” (where the sense of rubato becomes almost improvisatory). The work, as a whole, may be said to comprise a poignant “prayer” for strings.
UK PREMIERE was Nov. 30 2018, Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London (UK) with the London New Strings, conducted by David Sutton-Anderson.
SEE ALSO:
https://www.academia.edu/38536443/Sacred_Prelude_Op.15_for_String_Orchestra_WORLD_PREMIERE_PERFORMANCE_2018_UK_._MUSICAL_COMPOSITION_
YOUTUBE LINK (with SCORE): https://youtu.be/1guJVKqM9o8
OR: https://britishmusiccollection.org.uk/score/sacred-prelude-op15-full-string-orchestra-version
YOUTUBE LINK (from LIVE UK PERFORMANCE of simplified version, Op.15A):
https://youtu.be/oajBje51U1M
SCORE and PARTS PUBLISHED AT:
https://www.australiancomposers.com.au/collections/composers-and-authors/products/sacred-prelude-op-15
REVIEWS [of the original string quintet version]:
* "a beautiful serenade" - American Record Guide (USA), May-June 2012
* "yearningly lovely" - Music OMH (UK), November 2008
* "intensely ethereal" - Tempo (UK), January 2008
* "a work of beauty and sincerity" - conductor Robert Ian Winstin (USA), recording with string soloists of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006
About JONATHAN DAVID LITTLE:
The atmospheric and evocative music of Jonathan David Little, BMus(Hons), ThA, PhD, FLCM, FISM, FRSA, is notable for its mystical beauty, intensity, richness of material, and intricate craftsmanship. He was the first composer to receive a Professional Development Award from the UK music business’s own charity, the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, and in 2011 was awarded the prestigious Collard Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (est.1500). In 2016 he won a Royal Philharmonic Society "ENCORE Choral" Award (UK), in 2017 Special Distinction for his orchestral music in the ASCAP Rudolf Nissim Prize (USA) – and in January 2018 his polychoral Kyrie was nominated for "Best Classical Music Recording" at the inaugural RoundGlass Global Music Awards (USA-INDIA). His entire body of polychoral music was also nominated for the 2018 CHASS Australia Prize – the nation’s premier award in the Arts and Humanities. He has also received BBC, Fanfare, Authors’ Foundation, Chagrin, Bliss, Leighton Trust, and other distinguished awards in the UK, USA and Australia.
COMPOSER WEBSITE: www.JonathanLittle.org
North-South Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Max Lifchitz ("bringing the best in contemporary music to New York City audiences for almost 4 decades"). Maestro Lifchitz dedicated the performance to the memory of those who perished during the terrorist attacks on 15th March 2019, in Christchurch, New Zealand.
US PRESS PROMOTION:
1) Musical America Worldwide: https://www.musicalamerica.com/news/newsstory.cfm?archived=0&storyID=42276&categoryID=5
2) Broadway World: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/New-Chamber-Orchestra-Music-by-Composers-from-Australia-Ireland-and-the-US-Will-Perform-in-St-Patricks-Day-Concert-20190305
ABOUT "SACRED PRELUDE":
Originally written for string quintet as “Opus 1”, this piece was recently arranged for full string orchestra by the composer (as Opus 15), working in conjunction with film orchestrator, Anthony Weeden (whose credits include Sherlock and The Theory of Everything).
A natural rubato is felt throughout this haunting, single-movement work for string orchestra. The sound is reminiscent of that of ancient church music. Written in the stile antico, it opens with a “Plainsong”, then comes the main central “Anthem”. There is a brief reprise of the opening theme, before the work closes with a more emphatic “Fantasia” (where the sense of rubato becomes almost improvisatory). The work, as a whole, may be said to comprise a poignant “prayer” for strings.
UK PREMIERE was Nov. 30 2018, Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London (UK) with the London New Strings, conducted by David Sutton-Anderson.
SEE ALSO:
https://www.academia.edu/38536443/Sacred_Prelude_Op.15_for_String_Orchestra_WORLD_PREMIERE_PERFORMANCE_2018_UK_._MUSICAL_COMPOSITION_
YOUTUBE LINK (with SCORE): https://youtu.be/1guJVKqM9o8
OR: https://britishmusiccollection.org.uk/score/sacred-prelude-op15-full-string-orchestra-version
YOUTUBE LINK (from LIVE UK PERFORMANCE of simplified version, Op.15A):
https://youtu.be/oajBje51U1M
SCORE and PARTS PUBLISHED AT:
https://www.australiancomposers.com.au/collections/composers-and-authors/products/sacred-prelude-op-15
REVIEWS [of the original string quintet version]:
* "a beautiful serenade" - American Record Guide (USA), May-June 2012
* "yearningly lovely" - Music OMH (UK), November 2008
* "intensely ethereal" - Tempo (UK), January 2008
* "a work of beauty and sincerity" - conductor Robert Ian Winstin (USA), recording with string soloists of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006
About JONATHAN DAVID LITTLE:
The atmospheric and evocative music of Jonathan David Little, BMus(Hons), ThA, PhD, FLCM, FISM, FRSA, is notable for its mystical beauty, intensity, richness of material, and intricate craftsmanship. He was the first composer to receive a Professional Development Award from the UK music business’s own charity, the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, and in 2011 was awarded the prestigious Collard Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (est.1500). In 2016 he won a Royal Philharmonic Society "ENCORE Choral" Award (UK), in 2017 Special Distinction for his orchestral music in the ASCAP Rudolf Nissim Prize (USA) – and in January 2018 his polychoral Kyrie was nominated for "Best Classical Music Recording" at the inaugural RoundGlass Global Music Awards (USA-INDIA). His entire body of polychoral music was also nominated for the 2018 CHASS Australia Prize – the nation’s premier award in the Arts and Humanities. He has also received BBC, Fanfare, Authors’ Foundation, Chagrin, Bliss, Leighton Trust, and other distinguished awards in the UK, USA and Australia.
COMPOSER WEBSITE: www.JonathanLittle.org
[From the INTRODUCTION to the BLOG ARTICLE:] "Melbourne-born, now UK-based composer Jonathan Little talks about his new album Polyhymnia, of which the British music journal Tempo recently wrote: 'Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending... more
[From the INTRODUCTION to the BLOG ARTICLE:]
"Melbourne-born, now UK-based composer Jonathan Little talks about his new album Polyhymnia, of which the British music journal Tempo recently wrote: 'Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending panorama: it is immensely poetic, almost otherworldly, and employs an exceptionally hypnotic array of musical colour'.
In December 2011 Little became the first Australian-born composer to be elected the John Clementi Collard Fellow in Music - this prestigious fellowship is awarded approximately every three years to one of Britain's leading performers, composers, conductors or scholars. Little is also the first composer to receive a professional development award from the British music business's own charity, the Musicians Benevolent Fund. His music, often written for large-scale choral, string and orchestral forces, is now attracting increasing international recognition."
Little, Jonathan D., 'Creating and Recording Polyhymnia', Resonate Magazine (Sydney: Australian Music Centre, 22 Feb. 2012) [ONLINE BLOG ARTICLE]
ARTICLE IN PDF FORM here reproduced by kind permission of Anni Heino, Editor of the Australian Music Centre's 'Resonate' Magazine (captured as at 18.03.2019).
FULL ARTICLE ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/creating-and-recording-em-polyhymnia-em
ALBUM DETAILS:
Little, Jonathan D., POLYHYMNIA: STRING, ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL WORKS OF JONATHAN LITTLE ["Polyhymnia", Op.10 - from The Nine Muses (No.6 of 9); "Terpsichore", Op.7 - from The Nine Muses (No.7 of 9); "Fanfare", Op.3a; “Sacred Prelude", Op.1; "Kyrie", Op.5] [CD]: Moravian, Kiev and Czech Philharmonic Orchestras & Tallis Chamber Choir / Petr Vronský, Robert Ian Winstin & Philip Simms (Release date: 28th Feb. 2012) Navona (a fine music label of PARMA Recordings), USA. Cat. No. NV5867; UPC: 896931-000673. Recording supported by a Musicians' Benevolent Fund Professional Development Award (UK), University of Chichester (UK) & ASCAP Plus Programme (USA).
* ALBUM OF THE MONTH (Feb 2012), Reviews New Age (SPAIN)
* Nominated for ALBUM OF THE YEAR, Reviews New Age (SPAIN)
OFFICIAL URL: http://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv5867/
SPOTIFY STREAMING: https://open.spotify.com/album/3JecPlvLIBhDWhGscCM47G
REVIEW in TEMPO (CUP, UK): https://www.jstor.org/stable/41482617?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
YOUTUBE WORK LINKS (with SCORES):
1. POLYHYMNIA (Multi-divisi string orchestra): https://youtu.be/xPMHd8EFMlg
2. TERPSICHORE (Showpiece for large orchestra): https://youtu.be/0flT7lJeR3U
3. FANFARE (for brass & percussion): https://youtu.be/tc9OMDw86GQ
4. SACRED PRELUDE (String quintet version): https://youtu.be/leallMTWFIA
5. KYRIE (SATB double choir & soloists): https://youtu.be/VIpvPYo0NAw
CD / STREAMING LINKS:
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Namedrill?name_id=247356&name_role=4&rewr=1#details
https://www.classicalarchives.com/album/896931000673.html
https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/product/polyhymnia-string-orchestral-and-choral-works
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polyhymnia-String-Orchestral-Choral-Jonathan/dp/B006O8K458
ALL YOUTUBE VIDEOS (with SCORES) - SEE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Musicalia65/videos
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
* "Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending panorama: it is immensely poetic, almost otherworldly, and employs an exceptionally hypnotic array of musical colour." - Tempo (UK)
* "Beautiful, exciting, thrilling and remarkable in every sense ... Jonathan Little has rightly earned the recognition he is now receiving, and this album is a clear example of his talent." - Reviews New Age (SPAIN)
* "Little reflects on diverse influences ... but adds a richness of coloration, dynamic shading and melodic inventiveness all his own. Small wonder that this Australian composer has gained several awards on both sides of the Atlantic." - Classical Music Magazine (UK)
* " ... full of rich string orchestra harmonies and based on some beautiful melodic ideas. The texture is rich, and the effect is quite moving ..." - American Record Guide (USA)
* " ... on every piece on this disc, you can hear the influence of ancient music ... Yet, the final product sounds modern too, as Little adds his own personal elements to these sonic foundations: bursting through the panorama he paints with sudden flashes of light or menacing thunderbolts, and so projects the past into the future ..." - Kathodik (ITALY)
SEE ALSO (FEATURE INTERVIEW & REVIEW in FANFARE, USA):
https://www.academia.edu/38484452/Jonathan_Little_and_the_Importance_of_Ecstasy_Fanfare_36_1_2012_58-72._Composer_Interview_and_CD_review_
AND:
https://www.academia.edu/38556929/POLYHYMNIA_String_Orchestral_and_Choral_Works_of_Jonathan_David_Little._North_Hampton_NH_USA_PARMA_Recordings_NV5867_2012_._AUDIO_CD_
KEYWORDS: "Jonathan David Little", Polyhymnia, Nine Muses, multi-divisi, Terpsichore, orchestral showpiece, Fanfare, Sacred Prelude, string quintet, Kyrie, double choir, polychoral, polychoralism, polychorality, choral music, contemporary music, cori spezzati, PARMA, Musicians' Benevolent Fund
"Melbourne-born, now UK-based composer Jonathan Little talks about his new album Polyhymnia, of which the British music journal Tempo recently wrote: 'Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending panorama: it is immensely poetic, almost otherworldly, and employs an exceptionally hypnotic array of musical colour'.
In December 2011 Little became the first Australian-born composer to be elected the John Clementi Collard Fellow in Music - this prestigious fellowship is awarded approximately every three years to one of Britain's leading performers, composers, conductors or scholars. Little is also the first composer to receive a professional development award from the British music business's own charity, the Musicians Benevolent Fund. His music, often written for large-scale choral, string and orchestral forces, is now attracting increasing international recognition."
Little, Jonathan D., 'Creating and Recording Polyhymnia', Resonate Magazine (Sydney: Australian Music Centre, 22 Feb. 2012) [ONLINE BLOG ARTICLE]
ARTICLE IN PDF FORM here reproduced by kind permission of Anni Heino, Editor of the Australian Music Centre's 'Resonate' Magazine (captured as at 18.03.2019).
FULL ARTICLE ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/creating-and-recording-em-polyhymnia-em
ALBUM DETAILS:
Little, Jonathan D., POLYHYMNIA: STRING, ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL WORKS OF JONATHAN LITTLE ["Polyhymnia", Op.10 - from The Nine Muses (No.6 of 9); "Terpsichore", Op.7 - from The Nine Muses (No.7 of 9); "Fanfare", Op.3a; “Sacred Prelude", Op.1; "Kyrie", Op.5] [CD]: Moravian, Kiev and Czech Philharmonic Orchestras & Tallis Chamber Choir / Petr Vronský, Robert Ian Winstin & Philip Simms (Release date: 28th Feb. 2012) Navona (a fine music label of PARMA Recordings), USA. Cat. No. NV5867; UPC: 896931-000673. Recording supported by a Musicians' Benevolent Fund Professional Development Award (UK), University of Chichester (UK) & ASCAP Plus Programme (USA).
* ALBUM OF THE MONTH (Feb 2012), Reviews New Age (SPAIN)
* Nominated for ALBUM OF THE YEAR, Reviews New Age (SPAIN)
OFFICIAL URL: http://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv5867/
SPOTIFY STREAMING: https://open.spotify.com/album/3JecPlvLIBhDWhGscCM47G
REVIEW in TEMPO (CUP, UK): https://www.jstor.org/stable/41482617?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
YOUTUBE WORK LINKS (with SCORES):
1. POLYHYMNIA (Multi-divisi string orchestra): https://youtu.be/xPMHd8EFMlg
2. TERPSICHORE (Showpiece for large orchestra): https://youtu.be/0flT7lJeR3U
3. FANFARE (for brass & percussion): https://youtu.be/tc9OMDw86GQ
4. SACRED PRELUDE (String quintet version): https://youtu.be/leallMTWFIA
5. KYRIE (SATB double choir & soloists): https://youtu.be/VIpvPYo0NAw
CD / STREAMING LINKS:
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Namedrill?name_id=247356&name_role=4&rewr=1#details
https://www.classicalarchives.com/album/896931000673.html
https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/product/polyhymnia-string-orchestral-and-choral-works
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polyhymnia-String-Orchestral-Choral-Jonathan/dp/B006O8K458
ALL YOUTUBE VIDEOS (with SCORES) - SEE:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Musicalia65/videos
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
* "Polyhymnia conjures up a heart-rending panorama: it is immensely poetic, almost otherworldly, and employs an exceptionally hypnotic array of musical colour." - Tempo (UK)
* "Beautiful, exciting, thrilling and remarkable in every sense ... Jonathan Little has rightly earned the recognition he is now receiving, and this album is a clear example of his talent." - Reviews New Age (SPAIN)
* "Little reflects on diverse influences ... but adds a richness of coloration, dynamic shading and melodic inventiveness all his own. Small wonder that this Australian composer has gained several awards on both sides of the Atlantic." - Classical Music Magazine (UK)
* " ... full of rich string orchestra harmonies and based on some beautiful melodic ideas. The texture is rich, and the effect is quite moving ..." - American Record Guide (USA)
* " ... on every piece on this disc, you can hear the influence of ancient music ... Yet, the final product sounds modern too, as Little adds his own personal elements to these sonic foundations: bursting through the panorama he paints with sudden flashes of light or menacing thunderbolts, and so projects the past into the future ..." - Kathodik (ITALY)
SEE ALSO (FEATURE INTERVIEW & REVIEW in FANFARE, USA):
https://www.academia.edu/38484452/Jonathan_Little_and_the_Importance_of_Ecstasy_Fanfare_36_1_2012_58-72._Composer_Interview_and_CD_review_
AND:
https://www.academia.edu/38556929/POLYHYMNIA_String_Orchestral_and_Choral_Works_of_Jonathan_David_Little._North_Hampton_NH_USA_PARMA_Recordings_NV5867_2012_._AUDIO_CD_
KEYWORDS: "Jonathan David Little", Polyhymnia, Nine Muses, multi-divisi, Terpsichore, orchestral showpiece, Fanfare, Sacred Prelude, string quintet, Kyrie, double choir, polychoral, polychoralism, polychorality, choral music, contemporary music, cori spezzati, PARMA, Musicians' Benevolent Fund
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