Concerto No.1 for Flute and Orchestra for solo flute and orchestra Op.39 (1992) c.25'00"

(2.2.2.2/2.2.0.0/timp/perc/pno/hp/strings)

Commissioned by James Galway

Dedicated to James Galway

First performed on November 6th, 1992 at Powell Hall in St. Louis, Missouri by James Galway, flute with The Saint Louis Symphony conducted by Leonard Slatkin

Best Newly Published Flute Work, National Flute Society, 1994 

ABOUT

Concerto No.1 for Flute and Orchestra Op. 39 was completed in September of 1992.  It was commissioned by James Galway, and is dedicated to him.

The work is scored for an orchestra comprised of piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, percussion, harp, piano and strings.

The Concerto is in three movements.  The first movement, Moderato, is an arc-like form, all of whose components are in fact variations on the harmonic progression of its principal theme. The central section of this movement is a set of explicit chaconne variations on a chorale-version of this progression. The second movement, Adagio molto, presents a lyrical melody which is spun out over a pulsating syncopated ostinato which persists through the entire length of the movement. The final movement, Presto, is a virtuoso work-out for the flutist in a rondo-like form which closes with a Prestissimo coda.

The Concerto was first recorded on the BMG label by James Galway with the London Mozart Players conducted by the composer.

RECORDINGS

REVIEWS

“Then, came the incandescent Liebermann Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op.39…Liebermann sought and got color, wit, insouciant skill, playfulness and the sensationalism that comes with virtuosity. This concerto is so appealing…No wonder all the music students in the back cheered wildly. They recognized the wizardry in the writing and they loved it.”
The Times Union, Albany, NY

”It passed the test with flying colors…Liebermann writes beautifully and colorfully for the orchestra, always keeping the full ensemble passages in balance and supportive of the solo instrument.”
Daily Gazette, Schenectady, NY

“The orchestra’s principle flutist…joined the orchestra…in Lowell Liebermann’s incredible flute concerto…It is no wonder this young American composer has garnered so much acclaim and so many awards. This piece leaves one yearning for more.”
The Repository, Canton, OH

“Liebermann’s piece was superbly written for both soloist and orchestra, with the flute holding its own whether in dialogue with the upper strings or topping a crescendo on the timps…”
Cumberland News

“For me, this is the most substantial and significant flute concerto of recent years…”
Winds

“But the stunning piece on the program was Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op.39 by Lowell Liebermann…in the dreamy second movement, I can’t believe that mine was the only face flushed, or that I was the only one in the sold-out crowd holding my breath. It was emotional music played that way.”
Wisconsin State Journal

“…Lowell Liebermann’s outstanding Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op.39 (1992), a substantial and rewarding score that its fans are increasingly convinced is one of the best such works of the 20th century.”
Classical Voice of North Carolina