Symphony #6 Program Notes for PayLoadz
This programmatic symphony is based on the Welsh legend of Taliesin. Inspired by the great ballets commissioned by Serge Diaghileff for the Parisian Ballets Russe in the early 20th century, the score reflects orchestral colors associated with modern and impressionistic musical styles. After a full-length performance of the Legend (as the symphony was originally titled) given in Nov. 2007 with the composer conducting the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra, the symphony subsequently underwent an extensive process of editorial renovation especially with regard to orchestration that was completed in March of 2018. The final version of the symphony is cast in five movements:
I. Invocation
II. The Legend of Gwion and Cerridwen
III. Processional March to the Pyre
IV. Sacrificial Fire Dance
V. Tryptych
The orchestra (in score order) consists of piccolo, two flutes (2nd flute doubles on alto flute), two oboes (2nd oboe doubles on English horn), two clarinets in B-flat, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four French horns, two trumpets in B-flat, two trombones, bass trombone and tuba, timpani, percussion, piano (doubles on celeste), harp, and strings (violin 1, violin 2, violas, violoncello, and contrabass).