Torke, Michael: An American Abroad (2001) 20'
for orchestra
Scoring
2(II=picc).2.2.2.dbn-4.2(II=flghn).3.1-timp. perc(3):BD/SD/tamb/claves/susp.cym/tub.bells/glsp/xyl/vib- harp-strings
World Premiere
2/1/2002
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Marin Alsop
Composer's Notes
An American Abroad, a 20 minute tone poem, is the fulfillment of the second commission as Associate Composer for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Unfolding melodies and themes express the natural naïveté an American might feel traveling abroad. Wonderment and curiosity kindles the traveler’s energy, yet there remains an unintended lack of sophistication: being an outsider, how can a traveler truly understand the depths and subtleties of a new culture? I currently live in New York City, and when visitors from the "outside" are in town, I am inspired by their simple energy and appreciation of what my hometown has to offer, which often opens my eyes to new ways of seeing New York. It’s my hope that the delight and concomitant melancholy of discovery an American might have abroad- a particular romance of travel- is expressed in this composition.
Michael TorkeReproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer
Recommended Recording
Colin Currie/Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Marin Alsop
Naxos 8.557001
for orchestra
Scoring
2(II=picc).2.2.2.dbn-4.2(II=flghn).3.1-timp. perc(3):BD/SD/tamb/claves/susp.cym/tub.bells/glsp/xyl/vib- harp-strings
World Premiere
2/1/2002
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Marin Alsop
Composer's Notes
An American Abroad, a 20 minute tone poem, is the fulfillment of the second commission as Associate Composer for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Unfolding melodies and themes express the natural naïveté an American might feel traveling abroad. Wonderment and curiosity kindles the traveler’s energy, yet there remains an unintended lack of sophistication: being an outsider, how can a traveler truly understand the depths and subtleties of a new culture? I currently live in New York City, and when visitors from the "outside" are in town, I am inspired by their simple energy and appreciation of what my hometown has to offer, which often opens my eyes to new ways of seeing New York. It’s my hope that the delight and concomitant melancholy of discovery an American might have abroad- a particular romance of travel- is expressed in this composition.
Michael TorkeReproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer
Recommended Recording
Colin Currie/Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Marin Alsop
Naxos 8.557001
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