One of the first pieces of “modern” that I played was Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra – barely a quarter of a century old when I played it! We were fortunate to have a conductor (John Carewe) who was able to tell us a lot about the music since this was very different from the “typical” Glasgow Schools’ Orchestra repertoire. At the time it was seen as quite a radical departure – it being his first year conducting the orchestra.
I am sharing just the second (of five) movement today – in the central part it has a lovely brass chorale – very similar to the chorale in Eric Ball’s “The Eternal Presence” for those who know that music. The entry in the middle of the chorale is one of those that horn players ‘love’ – high in the register, quiet – and very exposed.
Béla Bartók : Concerto For Orchestra – 2nd Movt
Comments :
Beverley Williams
Great piece. My A level music set piece 🙂
George R McConnell
I did the Scottish “Higher” exam rather than A levels – one of the set pieces was his “Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste” – I definitely prefer the this one though! 😃
Brian Milligan
I did that piece as well, George. Another one I remember was Psalmus Hungaricus . I think that was what it was titled. Also the Pastoral Symphony. I had the same school music teacher as Ian Milligan and her assistant, Mr Knox had been Ian’s friend at music college.