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Scoring

picc.2(III=picc).2.corA.2.Ebcl.bcl.3.dbn-4.3.2.btrbn.1-timp.perc(4):I=xyl/3lg roto-toms/susp.cym/sm tam-t;II=SD/pedal BD/maracas/tamb/claves;III=claves/wdbl/bongo/SD/low floor tom-t;IV=vibes, lg BD-pft-strings

Abbreviations (PDF)

Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes (Hendon Music)

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

Availability

World Premiere
10/11/1995
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra / Simon Rattle
Composer's Notes

Lollapalooza was written as a fortieth birthday present for Simon Rattle who was been a friend and collaborator for many years. The term "lollapalooza" has an uncertain etymology, and just that vagueness may account for its popularity as an archetypical American word. It suggests something large, outlandish, oversized, not unduly refined. H.L. Mencken suggests it may have originally meant a knockout punch in a boxing match. I was attracted to it because of its internal rhythm: da-da-da-DAAH-da. Hence, in my piece, the word is spelled out in the trombones and tubas, C-C-C-Eb-C (emphasis on the Eb) as a kind of ideé fixe. The "lollapalooza" motive is only one of a profusion of other motives, all appearing and evolving in a repetitive chain of events that moves this dancing behemoth along until it ends in a final shout by the horns and trombones and a terminal thwack on timpani and bass drum.

Subjects
Recommended Recording
cd_cover

The Hallé Orchestra / Kent Nagano
Nonesuch 7559796072

Buy the MP3 album from Nonesuch

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