Brand New Music

One thing that I admire is the act of commissioning a brand new musical work. This past spring was the 20 anniversary of the Holland Area Youth Orchestra and they decided to commission a new piece in celebration. The composer (Wow! A living composer!), Matthew Tommasini, posted the recording of the piece on his website. The solo violin in the 1st movement is my daughter Claire! (You know she's a Kindermusik graduate, don't you? And that she was accepted in the Lawrence University Conservatory!
Complete Recording (MP3 6MB)

The title Sonic Dreams Made Real refers to the orchestra itself and combines elements of a violin concerto and fanfare. The first movement begins with a repeating, "dreamy" arpeggio played by the piano and percussion. From this arpeggio, a solo violin melody emerges, calling out to other members of the orchestra to begin playing. The lyrical movement builds to a climax as all the members of the orchestra enter, leading into the unrelenting, fast-paced second movement. This movement builds on motives from the opening which are finally transformed into a brass fanfare accompanied by pulsating chords in the other sections of the orchestra to the end the piece. Sonic Dreams Made Real was commissioned by the Holland Symphony Youth Orchestras in commemoration of their 20th anniversary season.