Repertoire

Igor Stravinsky: Symphonies of Wind Instruments (1920-1947) 9′
Philip Glass: Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra (1995) 23′
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony in B minor, Op. 58 (1885) 56′

ARTISTS

Barcelona Symphony Orchestra (OBC
Kebyart Ensemble
Jaume Santonja, dirección

Programme

The name “symphony” is Greek in origin, meaning “to sound together, at the same time”. Throughout history it has referred to various musical concepts, although its meaning has come to identify a structure of instrumental music for orchestra in four movements. Yet neither of the two symphonies in this programme follows this model.

The Symphonies of Wind Instruments are, like their composer, Igor Stravinsky, exceptional: dedicated to Debussy, they are written for wind, in a single movement. 

Despite its name, Tchaikovsky’s “Manfred” symphony is not numbered along with his other symphonies. It is, in fact, much longer and has an underlying programme, a story based on a poem by Lord Byron. 

The programme’s central piece is the unusual and spectacular Concerto for Saxophone Quartet by minimalist composer Philip Glass, featuring the extraordinary Kebyart Ensemble.