Entry #3: Tomasi & Love is the Thing

Fanfare Liturgiques - Henri Tomasi

Henri Tomasi was a French classical composer and conductor, better known for works such as: In Praise of Folly, Nuclear Era and The Silence of the Sea. Tomasi's much is described as lyrical, with diatonic and chromatic melodies being prominent. These melodies are supported by tertian and polychordal harmonies.

Performance by the Toulouse Wind Orchestra

In class today we listened to his Fanfare Liturgiques (1947), a difficult yet powerful work for brass and percussion (voice as well, if performing the work from the opera Don Juan de Mañera). You can clearly hear the compositional influences of Tomasi's contemporaries at the time. Composers such as: Aaron Copland (1900-1990), Ottorini Respighi (1879-1936), Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971),  and Paul Dukas (1865-1935).

Fanfare Liturgiques is divided into four movements, they are as follows:

• I. Annonciation (Annunciation is the term describing the moment when the angel Gabriel declared Mary to be the mother of God) 
• II. Evangile (Gospel, or the word of God)
• III. Apocalypse (Apocalypse) Four Horsemen who are listed as Pestilence (disease epidemic), War, Famine, Death
• IV. Procession du Vendredi-Saint (Good Friday Procession, a Christian celebration commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus)

I thought these program notes from the LA Phil were interesting: 

The first fanfare blazes to immediate life, but a somber lyric section follows, with a brief recall of the brilliant opening at the end. The second is statelier, with prominent timpani; a dramatic solo trombone recitative takes over, leading to a solemn close. The horsemen of the apocalypse gallop with a menacing edge, at a confident, aggressive pace.

The suitably theatrical final fanfare, as long as the other three combined, comes from a scene in the opera that takes place in Seville during a Holy Week procession, when a heavenly voice sings to Miguel Mañara, lifting his spirits (he was depressed by the death of his wife). It begins in percussive mystery, and gradually grows in dynamics and intensity under the impassioned pleading of the Spirit of Heaven, as the procession approaches. It fades into calm for an ardent chorale, over which the voice soars again, concluding in a spiritual ecstasy that reminds us of Tomasi’s abiding interest in medieval religious music.

Concerto for Horn in F and Orchestra - Henri Tomasi

Another great, yet challenging work is his horn concerto. A beautiful work that is not performed very often. 

Henri Tomasi composed this concerto in 1969. This recording is by the CBC Vancouver Orchestra with Martin Hackleman as the soloist. It is divided into three movements: I. Pastoral, II. Nocturne, III. Final.

Love is the Thing - Billy May

Finally, continuing with the theme for my blog, here is the 3rd track from Billy May's Big Fat Brass album, Love is the Thing. An original track composed by Billy May for the album.

My next blog will be my first listening presentation. Until next time!

-Jacob