for orchestra
33323 – 4331 – piano – timp. – 3 perc. – strings
duration: 10 minutes
Commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and School & Los Angeles Philharmonic
World premiere by the Aspen Music Festival and School, Robert Spano conducting (July 17, 2013)
West Coast premiere by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Miguel Harth Bedoya, conducting (September 10, 2013)
Originally conceived as the first part of a ballet for children, Bounce is my latest work for orchestra, co-commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and School and Los Angeles Philharmonic.
When the commission was finalized in November 2012, my wife and I learned that a new addition to our family would be arriving in late summer. Within minutes of this discovery, the title Bounce came to mind, and I knew that this work would be inspired by first my child.
Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring premiered on May 29, 1913 in Paris. The ballet was originally written for piano four-hands. He was traditionally known for composing at the piano, so this is how he first conceived the work before orchestrating it. In honor of Stravinsky and the centennial of The Rite, I decided to write Bounce for two pianos first, and then orchestrate it.
The piece begins with an introduction to pave way for the dancers as they make their way to the stage. After a chord progression is presented several times with growing orchestrations, Bounce officially begins with the announcement of an ostinato. In the spirit of Stravinsky, I approached the composition and orchestration from a block form point of view. The piece moves from ABABCDEBABE, and it is by far the most innocent, happy, and fun work I’ve ever written. It is meant to be light, child-like, and emotionally moving.
With great admiration, a special thank you must be given to both Asadour Santourian and Chad Smith.
Bounce is dedicated to my son, Luca. I know we haven’t met yet, but please know that I already love you, both infinitely and unconditionally. May you enter this world bouncing and soaring with love, creativity, happiness, and curiosity. We will forever be here for you as we watch you grow and become your own person.
Adam Schoenberg
May 20, 2013