(Robert Schumann arr. Tom Coult)
I – Nicht zu schnell
II – Mit Innigen Ausdruck
III – Andantino
IV – Innig
V – Nicht Zu Schnell
VI – Adagio
Schumann’s Studies in Canonic Form Op. 56 were written for the ‘pedal’ piano – an adaptation of a piano with bass notes played by the feet, allowing players to practice the organ domestically. These pieces show great contrapuntal skill and canonic technique, but the severity of the title belies the character of the music – this is music of great wit, charm, beauty and elegance.
My arrangements, made for the young players of the Britten Sinfonia Academy, aim to match these qualities through orchestral colour – sometimes highlighting the canonic structure, sometimes disguising it.
Instrumentation:
chamber orchestra: 2(II=picc).2.2.2, 2.2.0.0, hp, perc(1: sus.cym, vib, glock), strings
Duration:
16 mins 30
Commission:
Commissioned by The Britten Sinfonia Academy
Performances:
28 Apr 2023
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Gourlay (cond.)
BBC MediaCity, Manchester, UK
14 Jul 2018
Britten Sinfonia Academy
Latitude Festival, Suffolk, UK
13 Jul 2018
Britten Sinfonia Academy
Mumford Theatre, Cambridge, UK
12 Aug 2018
Britten Sinfonia Academy
St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, UK
World premiere