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Dedication
Howard Quilling composer
Clayton Hoenerviolin; Hannah Shields piano
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Jan Kučera conductor; Zbigniew Kaleta alto saxophone
Amy Barlowe violin; Bruce McIntosh cello; James Cook piano
DEDICATION, a compilation of newly recorded works by composer Howard Quilling, features two sonatas for violin and piano, a suite for saxophone and wind orchestra, and a trio for violin, cello, and piano.
The album’s centerpiece, the Suite for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra, brings a sense of accomplishment and happiness to the composer when he speaks about it. Says Quilling, “It is one of my best and very favorite pieces. I wrote it in 1970, and I still keep coming back to it…after all this time I still think it’s quite a good piece.” The piece has five movements, which are contrasting. They are: Prelude, a march-like introduction; Pastoral, smooth and romantic; Scherzo, fast and lively; Song, a melody-driven diversion; and Finale, a brilliant, fast, energetic culmination. “There was no attempt to use related materials or to introduce programmatic elements,” says Mr. Quilling.
Quilling has written over 200 compositions, including works for orchestra, symphonic band, various chamber ensembles, chorus, solo vocal, and solo compositions for various instruments.
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Artist Information
Howard Quilling
Howard Quilling (b. 1935) was born in Enid, Oklahoma and grew up in Napa CA. He received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the University of Southern California and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He studied music composition with Ingolf Dahl, Robert Linn, David Raksin, Ernst Kanitz, Emma Lou Diemer, Edward Applebaum, and Peter Racine Fricker.
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the foremost and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. It is based in the historical capital of Moravia, the city of Olomouc, and has been a leader of music activities in the region for the past 70 years. Its artistic development was directly influenced by distinguished figures from the Czech and international music scene.
Jan Kučera
The conductor, composer, and pianist Jan Kučera is one of the most versatile Czech artists. At the National Theatre in Prague, he has conducted the productions of Lukáš Hurník’s opera The Angels, Shostakovich’s Antiformalist Rayok / Orango, Rossini´s La Cenerentola, and of his own comic opera Red Mary.
