Work
Symphony No. 1
for orchestra
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About
Once upon a time (in the twentieth century) symphonies were considered 'old hat'. Today, on the other side of the modernist revolution, the form offers new challenges. This symphony takes as its starting point the fragmentation and ironic humour of Mahler and Shostakovich. Using a language that integrates a huge range of stylistic references this music unfolds with flashes of orchestral colour.
Commissioned note
Written during Harris's Composer-in-Residence with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (2005)
Contents note
Three movements:
First Movement: this movement is full of drama and sudden changes. In keeping with symphonic tradition the opening bars contain the seeds of all its subsequent adventures.
Second Movement: this slow movement is the centrepiece of the work. Its spaciousness and relative calm is in strong contrast to the energetic outer movements. The woodwinds and brass solos unravel a long melodic line.
Third Movement: the third movement is a wild scherzo - its grotesque humour makes it something of a Pandora's box! The form makes a gesture towards traditional sonata rondo form by the musical ideas flash by at an almost alarming rate.
Performance history
25 Aug 2005: Performed by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Steven Smith