compositions

compositions

Moment Musical

- excerpt

Royal Conservatory Orchestra
from Heinz Unger Conducting Competition

Duration: 7 minutes
Written: 1983
Premiered: April 13, 1984
by Royal Conservatory Orchestra
Heinz Unger Conducting Competition
Conductor: Michael Newnham
Toronto, Canada
  • Flute I (Piccolo)
  • Flute II (Piccolo)
  • 2 Oboes
  • 2 Clarinets in Bb
  • 2 Bassoons
  • 2 Horns
  • Vibraphone
  • 2 String Ensembles
Background
Moment Musical was commissioned to serve as a test piece for the 1984 Heinz Unger Conductor’s Competition.
Scored for an orchestra divided into several ensembles (2 string groups, winds, contrabasses, and a vibraphone), the work offers a variety of challenges for the conductor as well as the orchestra. Each of the string parts may be performed by either a single player or a section, at the discretion of the conductor. Similarly, at the conductor’s discretion, the seating arrangements on stage may vary.
Moment Musical displays a variety of delicate textures which rarely exceed the dynamic range of mezzo-forte. It calls for an interpretation imbued with grace, elegance, sensitivity and the utmost refinement.