Harp Concerto (Higdon)

The Harp Concerto is a composition for harp and orchestra by the American composer Jennifer Higdon. It was commissioned by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. The work was completed in early 2018[1] and was given its world premiere at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York, by the harpist Yolanda Kondonassis and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra under the conductor Ward Stare on May 10, 2018. The piece is dedicated to Yolanda Kondonassis.[2][3]

Composition

The concerto has a duration of approximately 20 minutes and is cast in four movements:

  1. First Light
  2. Joy Ride
  3. Lullaby
  4. Rap Knock

Reception

Reviewing the world premiere, Daniel J. Kushner of City Newspaper praised the concerto, writing, "What started out as a somewhat muted affair quickly became a sweeping scape with symphonic tendencies. Higdon was keen to showcase the harp's naturally rich harmonic colors, and there was something prayerful about Kondonassis's playing, particularly in the quieter moments."[4] Reviewing a recording of the work, Tal Agam of The Classic Review similarly described it as "an exciting and truly original new piece, that can certainly enjoy success with the public."[5]

In 2020, Higdon won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition for her composition of the piece. Kondonassis was nominated for her performance of the concerto with Ward Stare and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, but did not win.[6]

Recording

The world premiere recording of the Harp Concerto was released on the album "American Rapture" through Azica Records on May 17, 2019.[7][8]

See also

References
  1. Ross, Brad S. (February 25, 2018). "Interview with Jennifer Higdon". ArtsComment. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  2. "Yolanda Kondonassis Performs Premieres of Jennifer Higdon Concerto for Harp and Orchestra". Broadway World. May 8, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  3. Stearns, David Patrick (February 15, 2018). "Philly composer Jennifer Higdon's new concerto didn't come easy - but they never do". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  4. Kushner, Daniel J. (May 11, 2018). "Classical review: RPO performs Brahms and a Higdon world premiere". City Newspaper. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  5. Agam, Tal (May 20, 2019). "Review: "American Rapture" – Yolanda Kondonassis, Harp". The Classic Review. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  6. "2020 GRAMMY Awards: Complete Winners List". GRAMMY.com. 2019-11-20. Retrieved 2020-01-28.
  7. "Harpist Yolanda Kondonassis' New Album Features Powerful, Whimsical Harp Concerto By Jennifer Higdon". Classical Post. May 22, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  8. Amacher, Julie (July 3, 2019). "New Classical Tracks: Yolanda Kondonassis premieres new harp concerto by Jennifer Higdon in 'American Rapture'". Classical MPR. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
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