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Concerto for Orkestra

by Ben Opie

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Jochen Fleeth
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1.
Processional 03:22
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2.
Fiat 07:51
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3.
Gyrodyne 06:13
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4.
Pram 07:21
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5.
Incline 08:58
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6.
Bumper Car 05:42
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7.
Dirigible 07:17
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8.
Monorail 03:49
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9.
Dromedary 07:09
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10.
Recessional 11:12
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about

Notes on Concerto for Orkestra

As I approached my fiftieth birthday, I felt the need to take on a large project. I decided to compose a single work that would be the length of one concert. I'd been perfectly happy composing shorter, discrete pieces on which to improvise. I wanted to prove (to myself if nobody else) that I could construct a large-scale work.

Here is the result. The title is, as is often in my work, half-serious. On the one hand, the title is ironically pompous. However, I also think it's an accurate description. the work is a study in contrasting movements and colors, and features each player as a soloist. The distinctive spelling of "orkestra" is an indirect reference to the Sun Ra Arkestra (a source of inspiration) and OPEK, the group that forms the core of this ensemble. With the exceptions of "Processional" and "Recessional" (entry and departure), each movement is named for a mode of transportation.

The first performance of Concerto was underwritten by a Creative Development Grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation, and presented by the New Hazlett Theater. Thank you for the support. This second performance was for the purpose of recording a sharper reading. It is still subject to the problems of staging such a large work with not enough rehearsal time. I'd rather an imperfect performance be available thank not at all.

-Ben Opie
Sept. 2016

credits

released October 5, 2022

Performed live at the Kelly Stayhorn Theater, April 12 2016.

Recorded, edited and mixed by Jesse Soracco

Photo by Renee Rosensteel

Produced by Ben Opie

David Cutler: piano; Roger Dannenberg: trumpet; Emmett Goods: trombone; Ian Gordon: trumpet; Emily Hawkins: percussion; Dan Lindey: baritone saxophone; Ben Opie: alto saxophone, clarinet, theremin; Chris Parker: guitar; John Petrucelli: tenor saxphone, flute; Lou Stellute: tenor saxophone; Paul Thompson: bass; David Throckmorton: drum set; Reggie Watkins: trombone; Nizan Liebovich: conductor.

Thanks to all the players for their efforts.
Dedicated to Jeannine.

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Ben Opie Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Ben Opie is a musician living in Pittsburgh PA. He composes, improvises, plays saxophones, clarinets, electronics, and whatnot. Among his many past and present projects are Thoth Trio, OPEK, Bombici, Water Shed 5tet, Flexure, Coal Train, etc. He also teaches at Carnegie Mellon University. ... more

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