Description
Symphony No. 1 for Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Naxos release of Catalan Wind Music, Vol. 2, includes Symphony #1 for Symphonic Wind Ensemble, recorded by the Barcelona Symphonic Ensemble (Banda Municipal de Barcelona) conducted by Salvador Brotons. This new album from the Barcelona Symphony Band is a compilation of the first world recordings of works by Catalan composers (Montsalvatge, Amargos, Fábregas and Bertrán). “Elisenda Fábregas’ dramatic and emotional First Symphony contrasts majestic grandeur with the expressiveness of Catalan song.” (Naxos Direct).
Symphony No. 1 for Symphonic Wind Ensemble was commissioned and premiered by the Barcelona Symphonic Band at L’ Auditori, Sala 1 (Pau Casals), on February 9, 2014. The premiere was conducted by South Korean conductor Youngmin Park. In 2016, it was recorded by the Barcelona Symphonic Band under the direction of Catalan conductor Salvador Brotons, to whom the symphony was dedicated.
Symphony No. 1 consists of four movements: movement I and IV are traditionally symphonic – dramatic, with extensive thematic and rhythmic development, textural contrasts, and grand and majestic sonorities. The second movement, Canço (Song), is lyrical and intimate, with the melodic and expressive characteristics of a Catalonian song. The third movement, Scherzo, has an evocative melody in the central section framed with sections featuring playful ostinatos. The last movement, Tempo giusto is majestic and has the character of an epilogue, balancing the symphonic weight of the first movement and bringing back some of its thematic and rhythmic material. Duration approx. 21’30”.
