SKU: AX.00-PC-0017988_SB_EDPAK

UPC: 038081548913.

SKU: A0.1113241

The Chase Dance was commissioned by David Starobin for his Grammy nominated recording Newdance (Bridge 9084). The material of the work derives from a combination of cultural influences (Balkan music) and contemporary techniques that in a combination of the old and the new approaches create a new type of exciting dance. Alternating 5/8, 6/8 and 9/8 meters increase the tension of the piece as well the nerves of the performer as the end approaches. The work ends almost abruptly as chases usually do. It has been recorded by the composer as well in Visions of Azure and by Zoran Dukic in Balkan Muses. Duration 2 minutes and 15 seconds.

SKU: AX.00-PC-0017988_VA_EDPAK

UPC: 038081548913.

SKU: A0.1419788

Brahms's Prelude and Fugue in G minor, WoO 10, is an essential early organ work demonstrating his mastery of counterpoint and the organ as a medium. The Prelude and Fugue were composed in the mid-1850s when Brahms was intensively studying counterpoint and turning to the organ for his contrapuntal skills. The Prelude begins quietly but builds in power and tension. At the same time, the fugue transforms the central theme into a lean, darkly probing juggernaut that accrues tension as it develops. These early organ works frame Brahms's entire oeuvre, as they were composed at the start of his career, while the Eleven Chorale Preludes, Op. 122 was his final work, composed just before and after the death of Clara Schumann. Brahms's organ compositions thus bookend his prolific output, spanned symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral works, and more. Overall, Brahms's Prelude and Fugue in G minor, WoO 10, is an important early work that showcases his mastery of counterpoint and the organ and is a significant marker in developing his compositional style.

SKU: A0.861960

Americana Symphony Variations on Appalachia Waltz (wind parts – symphony orchestra) MO164B-I

Wind Parts (score and parts available)

Music by Mark O’Connor

164 pages – 33:00 minutes in length

Americana Symphony Variations on Appalachia Waltz

For Large Symphony Orchestra

3333/4331/timp/perc/pno/harp+strings

Composed and orchestrated by Mark O’Connor

1st Movement: Brass Fanfare: Wide Open Spaces

2nd Movement: New World Fanciful Dance

3rd Movement: Different Paths Towards Home

4th Movement: Open Plains Hoedown

5th Movement: Soaring Eagle, Setting Sun

6th Movement: Theme: Splendid Horizons

Note: Any movement or combination of the movements can be singled out or re-organized for performance. Most any order of movements is acceptable. Suggestions for consideration included I., II., III., and IV., all recommended as stand alone pieces. Most an order of movements is acceptable. The composition was designed for maximum flexibility. Three or four movements combine to make a shorter variation Symphony.

What is American Classical music? This CD contains Mark O'Connor's latest orchestral works: Americana Symphony Variations on Appalachia Waltz(2006) and Concerto No. 6 Old Brass (2003). Sony Classical//BMG label director Gilbert Hetherwick explains; Dvorak and Copland painted symphonic landscapes using melodies inspired by the Americana tradition, and Mark O'Connor actually comes from that tradition itself. He's lived it every day of his life. And you hear it in every note of his Americana Symphony. For the majority of his solo career, O'Connor has dedicated himself to composing for orchestra: he has written six full-length concertos, several orchestral suites and string orchestra compositions, and most recently his first Symphony.

David Wallace, Juilliard School faculty member and Senior Teaching Artist with the New York Philharmonic, comments on the overall characteristics of O'Connor's music: The Americana Symphony combines historical narrative with classical and folk variation principles. The Symphony contains instrumental virtuosity, rhythmic drive, poignant lyricism, and probing counterpoint. With the Americana Symphony, Mark O'Connor provides his answer to a question that has intrigued U. S. composers since the debut of Dvorak's New World Symphony in 1892: How do you write the great American Symphony?

William Intrilligator, artistic director of the Dubuque Symphony, conducted one of the first performances of the Americana Symphony: Very few pieces of new music have the same emotional and visceral effect as this Symphony, he writes. It has such power and beauty, and these traits are expressed in original ways that are pure O'Connor and truly American.

Marin Alsop, artistic director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and this recording's conductor of the Americana Symphony, calls the Symphony simply A hit!

Original music printed from the composer’s manuscripts.

Music editing, copying and engraving by Mark O’Connor

using Finale on Apple Macintosh 2006 - 2007

Composed by Mark O’Connor

Commissioned by: Cabrillo Music Festival and Marin Alsop, Colorado Symphony, Dubuque Symphony, Fargo Moorhead Symphony, Fox Valley Symphony, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium, Imperial Symphony, Reading Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Rockford Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley, Youngstown Youth Symphony.

Can be heard on Americana Symphony! OMAC Records

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop