World Premiere Performance
Concerto Grosso #3 for flute ensemble and strings
by
Warren Cohen
(artwork
by Dave Dello-Russo)
CLICK
HERE
to read about it in the Desert Advocate
Article
about this composition that appeared in the Arizona Flute Society Newsletter
written by Jeanie Pierce
A New Piece:
Warren Cohen’s Concerto Grosso No. 3 for
flute ensemble and strings
“How about
composing a Concerto Grosso No. 3 for flute ensemble and orchestra using all the
big flutes?” That is the question I asked Warren Cohen after a Fall 2004
Musica Nova concert having just performed his Concerto Grosso No. 2 for
percussion and orchestra. In this piece, Warren had composed a part for alto
flute. After mentioning in a previous conversation how much he liked the “big
flutes,” I asked, “ Did you know there is a contra bass flute, and someone
in town owns one?” The seed was planted, and a few weeks later, I received a
message from Warren saying that he liked the idea and wanted to compose the
piece.
What next? A
meeting with contrabass flute owner Leslie Etzel was scheduled. After all,
Warren had never seen or heard the contrabass flute. Leslie and I demonstrated
the entire flute family for Warren playing the contra, bass, alto, E-flat, C,
and piccolo in different combinations to show the way the instruments blended,
the ranges, and the technical possibilities as well as difficulties. Following
the demonstration, the instrumentation for the piece was determined. He settled
on piccolo, 2 flutes, alto, bass, and contra with strings…and the waiting
began. Several months later, word came that the score and parts were finished.
Rehearsals are currently in progress and the world premiere of this new exciting
piece will be performed with the Fine Arts String Orchestra on Saturday, April
22, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
What is so
special about this piece? To my knowledge, it will be the first piece composed
that includes a contrabass flute with orchestra. The contrabass flute is
becoming more common in flute ensembles and choirs throughout the country and
has been showcased at the National Flute Association Convention as a solo
instrument. Warren’s piece will be a significant contribution to the flute
repertoire as well as the first of its kind.
Concerto
grosso is a form that was prominent during the Baroque era that features a small
group of instrumentalists against a larger group. Warren chose to use the “In
Nomine” chant as the basis for the composition, a chant that was used
especially during the Renaissance by many composers, and can be heard throughout
the work. The Concerto Grosso #3 is in three movements. The first movement opens
slow with the strings followed by the first entrance of the contrabass flute.
Each flute then enters from largest to smallest. The second movement,
Scherzo-Rondo, opens with a bass flute solo and features mixed meters. The third
movement begins with an adagio section and concludes with an energetic
fast-paced Prestissimo.
Warren Cohen
is currently the conductor of the Musica Nova Orchestra, Fine Arts Strings, and
the Musica Nova Baroque Orchestra. The AFS will honor Warren and host a
reception following the performance. See the enclosed flyer for more information
including ticket information.
The second performance of Concerto Grosso #3 was at the Arizona Flute Society’s Members Recital on Sunday, May 21, 2006 at the Church of the Epiphany in Tempe, Arizona.