Strontium Red

Strontium Red
for orchestra

Full Orchestra
String Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
Vocal
Chamber
Solo Instrumental

Strontium Red is charged with energy, bursting with rapidly flowing streamers of notes and explosive percussive cracks. Strontium is the element that gives fireworks and flares their bright red color, and the rousing energy of this piece reflects the heat and brilliance of red fireworks. The piece begins with sporadic bangs that imitate the sound of a fireworks display. As it progresses, the music alternates between agitated and almost pointillistic sections and a sweeping melody that is supported by a lush accompaniment. The piece is propelled forward by an incessant rush of virtuosity in the woodwinds and strings. Wave after wave of energy builds until the music comes to a triumphant close.

This work was selected as a winner of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra Overture Competition Competition, and was premiered by the CUSO under the direction of Dr. Stephen Alltop in April, 2019.

Strontium Red is an adaptation of a piano four hands piece titled Fireworks, which was originally commissioned by Olivia Swaan, president of Friends of Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota for their 20th anniversary season.

Duration: ca 2'45"

Instrumentation

1 Piccolo, 1 Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bassoons
4 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in C, 2 Trombones, 1 Tuba
Timpani, 3 Percussion
Harp, Strings

Watch the premiere by the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Stephen Alltop.

You may download a sample of the score in case the embedded score below is difficult to see or does not display.