This month, due to the reduced number of musicians allowed on our stages, colleagues have requested suggestions for smaller orchestra repertoire (specifically to be paired with Classical sized ensembles) by women and/or BIPOC composers. I am happy to say there are some outstanding choices in this area for orchestras at any level! There were so many that this week I will offer 10 suggestions for living composers and in the next 10 x 10, I will offer 10 suggestions for historical composers.
It is exciting to hear about the numerous orchestras who are making diversity a priority and it is thrilling to offer many fantastic compositions that work well with ensembles of all levels. I am warmed because the opportunities that we provide as Music and Artistic Directors make a difference in our communities.
My very best to each one of you as we navigate this tricky time.
I hope you enjoy.
-Anna
Entries will follow the following format:
1. Composer Name (hyperlink to additional info about the composer)
Titles hyperlink to more information and recordings
Length
Orchestration
Link to rental information via publisher or composer
HERE WE GO!
08'30
fl/picc, 1.0.1(cfg) - 1.1.1.0 perc (dr kit) - str (3.2.1.1)
10'00
2(P).2(EH).2(bcl).2(cfg) - 2.2.0.0 - 2 perc – strings
https://www.edition-peters.com/composer/beamish-sally/w00306
03'00
2(pic).2.2.2/2.2.0.0. – perc – strings
https://www.edition-peters.com/keyword/sally%20beamish%20reckless
24'00
2.2.2.2 - 2.2.0.0 - timp – strings
4. Chen Yi
08'00
1.1.2(Eb).1 - 1.0.0.0 - 1 perc – strings
08'00
2.2.2.2 - 2.0.0.0 - Perc - Strings
Danzón No.3 (version for flute. guitar & small orchestra)
13’00
0.0.2.0 – 2.0.0.0 - 2perc - str[4-8.4-8.3-6.3-6.2-4], guitar
12’00
1.1.2.1 – 1.1.1.0 – 2 perc. hp. pf. Str
http://store.subitomusic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6890
7. Hanna Benn
19'00
1.1.1.1 - 2.2.1.0 timp + 1, hp, pf – strings
13'00
1.1+ca.0.1 - 1.1.0.0 - (5.4.3.2.1)
04'00
1.1.1.1 - 0.0.0.0 – strings
https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/35058/Prayer-and-Celebration--Augusta-Read-Thomas/
10. Angelique Poteat
09'00
1.1.1.1 – 2.0.0.0 - 1perc, pf – str
Bonus! - Ellen Taaffe Zwilich
14’00
1.2.0.1 – 2.0.0.0 – hpsd – str
https://en.schott-music.com/shop/concerto-grosso-1985-no302979.html
Check out more terrific Classical Orchestra sized compositions!!!
Julia Adolphe 13'00 Shiver and Bloom
1.eh.1.1 - 1.0.0.0 - perc, hp - strings (3.3.3.3.1)
Sarah Bassingthwaite 05'00 The Emergence of the Unheard
1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.1 - perc, strings, soprano
Sally Beamish 13'00 Hover (contact composer for recording)
0.2.0.0 - 2.0.0.0 - strings
Lauren Bernofsky 12'30 Three Portraits of a Witch
1.(P).1.1.1 - 1.1.2(btrom).0 - perc - strings
Margaret Brouwer 07'00 Then the Bells (contact composer for recording)
2.2.2.2 - 2.2.0.0 - 1 perc - strings
Gabriela Frank Five Scenes (contact composer for recording)
1(p).1.1.1 - 1.1.0.0 - 2 per, pf, hp - str
Jonathan Bailey Holland 06'30 El Jaleo
1.1.1(b cl).1 - 1.1.1.0 - 2 perc, pf - strings
Hannah Lash 15’00 This Ease
2.2.2.2 – 1.1.0.0 – perc, hp - str
Joan Tower 15'00 Chamber Dance
2(pic).2.2.2 - 2.2.0.0 - timp+1 - str
Mary Watkins 31'00 Soul of Remembrance
2.2.2.2 - 2.1.0.0 - hp - strings
Judith Weir 12'00 Airs from Another Planet
2(P).1(+EH).bcl.cfg - 2.2.0.0 - timp – strings
15'00 Heroic Strokes of the Bow
2(P).1(+EH).bcl.cfg - 2.2.0.0 - timp - strings
Diane Wittry 08'00 After the Rain
2.1.1.1 – 1.2.1.0 - 2 perc - single strings or strings
Judith Lang Zaimont 11‘00 Chroma: Northern Lights
1.1.1.1 - 1.0.0.0- perc - strings
For more information on these compositions and other “Classical orchestra” sized ensembles, please click HERE to Anna’s composer database. On the search engine, type in “chamber orchestra” in the Notes box.