American composer Lukas Foss was an active figure in
the classical music scene throughout the last century. Alongside his illustrious
career as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Milwaukee Symphony
Orchestras, he also served as a Professor of Music at UCLA, SUNY-Buffalo, and
Boston University.
"Composer's
Holiday" is the third of his Three
American Pieces for violin and piano from 1945. A popular work that Foss
himself performed on the piano throughout his career, it was also adapted for
violin and orchestra and re-cataloged for flute and piano. "Composer's Holiday"
is a playful celebration of the 1940s Americana musical style. An introductory
piano rumble leads to a catchy C major hoedown-like tune in the violin. The
ever-present rhythmic syncopations then relax into a contrasting dolce e leggiero (sweet and light)
central melody, during which the violinist responds to the pianist's melody in
luxurious harmony. The original dance tune reprises and is extended to build in
excitement towards an explosive finish. Eugenia Choi
Classical Music | Violin Music
Lukas Foss
Composer’s Holiday, from Three American Pieces Play
Recorded on 11/04/2010, uploaded on 11/04/2010
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
American composer Lukas Foss was an active figure in the classical music scene throughout the last century. Alongside his illustrious career as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras, he also served as a Professor of Music at UCLA, SUNY-Buffalo, and Boston University.
"Composer's Holiday" is the third of his Three American Pieces for violin and piano from 1945. A popular work that Foss himself performed on the piano throughout his career, it was also adapted for violin and orchestra and re-cataloged for flute and piano. "Composer's Holiday" is a playful celebration of the 1940s Americana musical style. An introductory piano rumble leads to a catchy C major hoedown-like tune in the violin. The ever-present rhythmic syncopations then relax into a contrasting dolce e leggiero (sweet and light) central melody, during which the violinist responds to the pianist's melody in luxurious harmony. The original dance tune reprises and is extended to build in excitement towards an explosive finish. Eugenia ChoiMore music by Lukas Foss
Early Song, from Three American Pieces
Dedication, from Three American Pieces
Composer’s Holiday, from Three American Pieces for Violin and Piano
Composer’s Holiday, from Three American Pieces
Goldmore Variation, from 13 Ways of Looking at the Goldberg
Capriccio for Cello and Piano
Early Song, from Three American Pieces
Elytres
Phorion
Lulu's Song, From The Jumping Frog Of Calveras County
Performances by same musician(s)
Tzigane
Sonata for Violin and Piano
Thème et Variations for Violin and Piano
Tzigane
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, Op. 13
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