Symphony No. 1
for Wind Orchestra

(2023)

Duration ca. 35 minutes

Commissioned by the Adelaide Wind Orchestra with support from the Helpmann Academy Creative Investment Fellowship Grant and premiered at Elder Hall on 25 November 2023.

“The Symphony for wind orchestra follows a traditional four-movement structure. Although it is not overtly programmatic, the musical narrative may be interpreted in many ways.

The first movement begins with an extended slow introduction featuring solos played by the alto flute and cor anglais. This is followed by a faster section with a recurring rhythmic motif that alternates between 6/8 and 5/8. After a return to the opening slow material, the movement reaches its climax on a violent 12-note chord. This chord then dissolves, and the movement ends with reflective solos played by the bassoon then horn.

The second movement is a lively scherzo inspired by John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine. The third movement is slow and opens with a melancholy duet between two clarinets. This idea returns several times throughout the movement with an extra voice added to the texture each time. The movement also features a chorale and an extended cor anglais solo.

The final movement begins with a waltz that slowly reintroduces material from the first movement. This material becomes gradually more chromatic and grotesque until rough brass chords interject, introducing a sardonic, Shostakovian fast section. This is followed by a heartfelt return of the waltz material. The work ends with a recapitulation of the slow theme from the first movement which eventually resolves to E-major, concluding the work with a feeling of hard-fought triumph.”

- Connor Fogarty, 2023