enhake's first reading of Steve's Thronateeska Concerto with the Albany Symphony
It was a remarkable experience to premiere a new concerto written for enhake by our friend Steve Landis. The project was initiated many years ago, and we were both thrilled and grateful to bring it into life despite a multitude of obstacles. The work is in three movements with two cadenzas between each section, although they are played without break. Landis highlights various strengths of enhake's ensemble as well as its individual players. The first movement begins with a stream of high-energy repeated notes, and it posed some challenges for me as a clarinet player. In the end, we found a great tempo that provides a fine balance between flow and ever-changing accents.
Close-up
The opening of the solo clarinet part...
The first cadenza leads into the slow movement, and I and Brent (our violinist) are asked to walk off stage then to the upper balcony. The effect was quite stunning, but we had to make sure there was plenty of time for us to move around and climb up/down all those stairs. A great way to work out and get some stretching done!
This is where I have to run out of the stage and climb up to the upper balcony
The antiphonal solo part in the econd movement
The third movement begins with highly rhythmic motif played in unison and leads to an exciting ending. There are many interesting and creative ideas, and we were pleased to see them work very well. It was a great privilege to be a part of this project among some wonderful friends in the ensemble. We certainly look forward to much more to come!
This section in the third movement asks all players to play as loud and high as possible!
My set-up for the evening!
