LSO Discovery

Ravel was born in France close to the Spanish border. His Spanish mother was an amateur musician, and his father was an inventor of engines and machines. The family moved to Paris when Maurice was only months old and he grew up to be one of the greatest French composers of all time. After Debussy’s death in 1918, Ravel became France’s leading musical voice and so it was important that he mark Debussy’s passing with a commemorative piece. He wrote the first movement of this sonata in 1920, called it ‘Duo’ and dedicated it to his great former rival (Debussy and Ravel had a complicated relationship!). Then, two years later he fleshed out the piece to four movements and renamed it ‘Sonata’. We will hear the second movement today, called simply: Très vif (very lively).

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Flautist and composer Valerie Coleman was named ‘Top Classical Woman of the Year’ by Performance Today in 2020 and one of the top 35 woman composers in the world by the Washington Post. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in the same suburb as Mohammed Ali, Coleman was raised by her mother and sisters after her father’s sudden death. She says she was fascinated by the flute as a toddler and would pick up sticks and twigs in the garden and try to play them. She started composing at a young age too and had completed three symphonies by the age of 14! ‘Danza de la Mariposa’ or ‘Dance of the Butterfly’ is inspired by the butterflies of South America. It begins and ends with a lazy, lyrical melody inspired by Peru; the contrasting middle section evokes the spirit of Argentine tango.

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Nordheim was one of Norway’s leading composers. His musical life began as an organ student at the Oslo Conservatory, but during his time there he became interested in the emerging electronic music scene and switched to composition. Many of his electronic pieces are considered pioneering. The Hunting of the Snark is a solo trombone piece from 1975. Nordheim worked with trombonist Per Brevig and recorded many, many hours of his improvisations as they tried to bring Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem to life. Nordheim then whittled down the many hours of tape into this amazing seven-minute piece. Quoting Lewis Carroll, Nordheim says the piece describes ‘with infinite humour the impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature’.

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Cabajo is a pianist and composer from Madrid, Spain. After graduating from the Royal Conservatoire in 1993 as a professor of harmony, counterpoint, composition and instrumentation, Victor has carved out a career as pianist, teacher and composer. Urogallos or Capercaillies is an oboe trio from 1995 and is scored for two oboes and one cor anglais – the oboe’s bigger, deeper relative. A capercaillie is a Scottish wood grouse; the word literally translates as ‘horse of the wood’ because of its large size. Cabajo’s piece really evokes the character of the birds. We hear them talking (or squawking), pecking, moving around in a jerky manner and at one point they even seem to dance!

_{Note by Rachel Leach}

The Guildhall School’s Orchestral Artistry programme is an exciting professional specialism for advanced instrumentalists seeking a career in orchestral playing, delivered in association with the LSO. It offers a course of study which is both highly distinctive and ground-breaking in scope, in a context akin to a professional environment.

The two-year Masters programme focuses on orchestral training and repertoire, as well as audition preparation, practical training in education and community-based programmes, and early career support. LSO musicians share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of gifted orchestral players, while students gain confidence and a detailed understanding of what is required at the highest level of the profession as they build their careers. During the pandemic, the programme continued online when necessary with the cohort taking part in Q&As with Sir Simon Rattle, François-Xavier Roth and Michael Tilson Thomas.

Today's Performers

*Yuriko Matsuda violin
James McBeth cello
*Rachael Watson flute
*Gemma Riley trombone
Loriem Winds: *Richard Lines-Davies oboe, Lottie Brenton oboe, *Emily Crichton cor anglais

*Guildhall Artist Masters students on the Orchestral Artistry programme

Relaxed Lunchtime Concert:
Friday 17 June 12.30pm

Music for wind, brass and percussion performed by fellows from the Music Academy of the West

Rachel Leach presenter

About Relaxed Performances

Relaxed performances are particularly suited to anyone who would prefer a more relaxed performance style, including people with autism, sensory and communication impairments, and learning disabilities.

The concert on 17 June will have some socially-distanced seating, and will be streamed live for free on the LSO's YouTube channel. It will feature an adapted BSL interpretation which will include more visual and gestural elements. There will also be closed captions provided by StageText and accessible digital programme notes available to download in advance or on the day.

We hope you will join us at LSO St Luke's. Or watch the live stream on YouTube from the comfort of your own home, where you'll be free to move and make as much sound as you like!