Song of the Sky for harp and orchestra
In September of 2021, I became acquainted with harpist Denitza Dimitrova when she participated in the recording of my flute, viola, and harp trio, November Dances, for release on my CD remember (Neuma 183). Inspired by her artistry, I composed Song of the Sky in 2022 with her playing in mind. It has been recorded by her as soloist with the Sofia Session Orchestra, Lyubomir Denev, Jr., conductor, for future release.
Denitza Dimitrova
The title of this concert work for solo harp and orchestra comes from a series of photographs by the American photographer Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946). Song of the Sky is scored for single winds, percussion, harp solo, and strings and is principally centered in A. The piece unfolds in one movement through a series of varied musical episodes. Layered major triads a whole step apart create certain harmonic colors and inform larger structures while half-step motives may be found to guide other harmonic choices and progressions. Throughout the composition the harp’s role alternates between guiding, or partnering with, the orchestra. The music itself suggested the changing beauty and character found in Stieglitz’s series of photographs.
- Instrumentation:
- 1111/1000/perc/harp/strings
- Date completed:
- 30 September 2022
- Duration:
- ca. 12:00
- Audio:
Song of the Sky
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