Composed 2013,
Duration: 25 minutes – 3 movements ,
Instrumentation: 2+1,2,2+1,2/4,3,3,1, timp, perc (3 players), harp, solo piano, strings
Degree of difficulty: Virtuosic solo piano; orchestral parts are also difficult but some ossias are provided.
Written for Australian virtuoso, Michael Kieran Harvey,
Commissioned by Lesley Dugdale
Premiered in Darwin with Michael Kieran Harvey and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, March 14th 2015 at the Darwin Convention Centre, conducted by Stephen Pevely.
Program Notes by Cathy Applegate (Feb 2015)
The idea of composing this new work was first discussed in April 2012. Michael Kieran Harvey had been in Darwin performing a Liszt concerto with the DSO and was supportive of a local work for piano. He is widely respected for being a strong advocate for Australian composers and their music; indeed he is an accomplished composer in his own right.
Click here for further information about Michael Kieran Harvey
The initial idea was that the work would be more a Concerto for Orchestra, with the piano treated as another member of the orchestra rather than being in a soloist role. But as I started to compose, try as I might, as I listened to the orchestra in my head, I could not have Michael’s playing blending in – his energy, vitality and virtuosity demanded to be front and centre. So I capitulated to what the music demanded and luckily Michael was happy with this change.
It became more of a Piano Concertante which had the added advantage of allowing me to show case the many talented players that we have in the DSO ranks.
The name Concertantrum? Well… Concertante sounded a little prim and proper for both Michael and for myself – and the work has a bit of tantrum–like energy.
I am grateful to Michael and for the DSO in supporting this work, my first concerto.
Click to hear a computer ‘mock up’ of the 3rd movement on Soundcloud