Studies in Canonic Form (Schumann)

(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