PROGRAM NOTES
Concert Music for Orchestra was developed from a spontaneous ideation of the opening theme. The initial idea dawned on the composer, with the theme itself spawning out of nowhere from the pizzicato strings and eventually devolving into the rest of the work. Concert Music is loosely based on a sonata form. The development is not confined to a specific location, but instead, is spread out through the work. There are 3 major themes that are utilized throughout the work while a few others-- born into existence from the major themes-- are intertwined into the body of the composition and juxtaposed against one another.

The initial design of the piece consisted of solo-like style of writing in the wind instruments with a string orchestra accompaniment-- a small chamber orchestra specifically. Pure colors, transparency, and small timbre groupings were the initial focal point. However, the demand for more instruments later in the work created large areas of more aggressive and voluminous orchestration, while a more
chamber and individualized approach to the woodwinds still continued to be featured in some other prominent sections. The brass instruments were treated similarly to the winds as they remained soloistic throughout the majority of the piece.

Several techniques are used in this composition for the purpose of variety such as flutter tonguing, string tremolos, pizzicato, muted brass, drastic dynamic changes and distorted echo effects. The tempo is never changed in the piece, although it may seem to do so due to fluctuations of texture, energy, meter, and style. The conclusion of the piece returns to its initial material in a retrograde fashion. This work's most attractive feature may be its mix of varying styles and constant developing variation with the purpose of creating an atmosphere of constant change and evolution.

Concert Music For Orchestra- Thomas Joseph

Composer, Conductor, Music Instructor. 
MM: Music Composition from Shenandoah Conservatory. 
BM: Music Composition from Old Dominion University.

Concert Music For Orchestra- Thomas Joseph

ThomasJosephComposer