related works
Skipping Stones : Version for flute and string orchestra / Michael Fine
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Flute and string orchestra
Scoring:
fl-solo str
Orkestsuite : (de zeven planeten), opus 6, 1983 / Marc van Delft
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Orchestra
Scoring:
3333 4331 5perc 2hp pf(cel) str
Largo en scherzo / Andries de Braal
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Orchestra
Scoring:
2323 3231 timp perc hp str
Overture : for orchestra / Mateo Soto
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Orchestra
Scoring:
2fl 2ob 2cl 2fg 4h 2tpt 2trb trb-b tmp 3perc str
composition
Seasonal Rites : for orchestra / Michael Fine
Other authors:
Fine, Michael
(Composer)
Description:
Several years ago, I was criticised by the CEO of an orchestra I was advising for having programmed Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring' in an Autumn concert. I decided to write a piece which could be programmed at any time of the year without offending her or future management. My first large-scale orchestral work, it is a personal view of the four seasons we enjoy in the northern hemisphere with positive feelings about even the coldest months. ‘Spring Revels’ begins with romping brass and percussion: a case of spring fever after a long winter! The movement ends quietly in front of the fire perhaps with a nice glass of wine in hand reflecting on a beautiful day spent outdoors. ‘Vision of Summer’ opens with the haze and heat of a summer day in nature with all of its lush, verdant beauty on display. ‘Autumn Flame’ refers to the changing colours of the woods and forests, with a distracting and spooky Halloween moment in a distant key. The frenetic opening of ‘Winter Candle’ is meant to depict skaters flying across the ice - a popular sport in the Netherlands where I make my home - but could also be the bustle of Christmas shoppers.
Michael Fine