PROGRAM NOTE
As one of a number of composers, “friends of the orchestra” who were asked to contribute short pieces for the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, I had looked forward with delight to writing a joyous little piece for the occasion. Just as I was beginning to jot down some musical ideas and think seriously about the kind of piece I might like to compose, the January 17, 1994, earthquake hit Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Numerous people from the orchestra, as well as many members of the audience, supporters, and admirers of the orchestra, were affected in various ways. In the aftermath of the earthquake, it no longer seemed possible, or even appropriate, to compose a straightforward “happy piece” in connection with Los Angeles’s 75th season. Nature’s unexpected outburst seemed to be a reminder that in all of life, even in moments of celebration and of great joy, there is another reality inevitably present as well. We all go through life balancing happiness with loss, laughter with tears, each of us individually searching for a measure of hope.
In my Invocation the solo horn offers a prayer, solemn at first, then imploring, finally ecstatic, with chimes and timpani lending their voices to a gradual build-up and climax. Happy birthday, L.A. Phil, and may the next seventy-five seasons be filled with nothing but the joyous sound of music-making!
—Shulamit Ran
INFORMATION
Commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic on the occasion of the orchestra’s 75th anniversary celebrations
Premiere performances:
February 15, 17, 19, 1995
Members of the
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Los Angeles, CA
Duration: c. 4’
Recording
Kent Leslie, horn; Thomas Harvey, chimes; Jack Brennan, timpani; on With every leaf a miracle, Hard Cor Music, HCM-0107
SHEET MUSIC
Available from your favorite sheet music seller or directly from Theodore Presser (here and here).