Download program notes - H. Leslie Adams

PROGRAM NOTES
Full Orchestra
Ode to Life. Concert Overture. [1978] 12 minutes.
2 flutes (with first flute alternating with piccolo) 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons; 4 horns,
3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba; timpani; percussion (including xylophone, celesta,
glockenspiel, tubular bells, maracas, snare and bass drums, cymbals and tam tam) and
strings.
This tonal work is in five sections with varying tempi. The opening (Allegro) begins quietly in
the winds, and grows increasingly more rhythmic throughout the orchestra. The second part (Allegro
moderato) introduces a two-part theme which recurs throughout the work, at first combined with the
previous material, then gaining independence.
The third movement (Moderato, con vivo) consists of four parts: 1) an energetic fugato played
by the strings, followed by a secondary theme sounded first by the trumpet and oboe, then by the
horns; 2) motivic development from the immediately preceding material heard in the brasses and
strings, then in the full orchestra; 3) a brief lento passage continuously developing and 4) the return of
the fugato, this time sounding in the woodwinds, then joined by the strings, percussion and brasses
Symphony No. 1. In four movements. [1976; 1977; 1978]. 56 minutes.
Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 B flat clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 Bassoons; 4 F
horns, 3 B flat trumpets, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone; tuba; Timpani; 3
percussionists; celesta; harp and strings.
The first movement has the tempo tem1s, Allegro; Molto maestoso and Presto. In a large
sonata form, the 21-minute movement introduces the main themes, treats them fugally in an extended
development, and recapitulates them while building to a rapid climax.
The second movement has the indications, Largo, Molto deciso, and Largo. In this 12minute movement, a theme that tended to mentally recur to the Composer throughout his teen years
is realized here.
The third movement, a quasi-scherzo, is marked, Allegro; Meno mosso; and Tempo 1. A
playful main theme is first introduced in the strings, then winds, and set apart by several fugato
passages before the full orchestra joins in echoing the melody. In the mid-section, the theme takes on
an expanded quality, played by several combinations of solo and ensemble groupings. These thematic
re-statements become increasingly more fragmented and complex and, after reaching an energetic
peak, their density subsides and a transition leads to the return of the original spirited style, bringing
this 6-minute movement to a joyful close.
The forth movement is a l7-minute broad sonata-allegro design in which several themes are
developed and recapitulated, concluding with a brief recurring theme from the first movement,
bringing the entire symphony to a majestic conclusion.
Western Adventure. In three one-minute parts for large orchestra.
Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons; 4 horns, 3
trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba; timpani, 3 percussion; harp; piano; strings.
In the first part, subtitled, "Cowboys' Race Across the Plains," the theme immediately suggests
a mood and spirit of the "old west." One may conjure images of covered wagons and galloping horses
as the music quickly flashes its themes.
In the second part, "In an Indian Village," the strings, harp and percussion are heard, with tom
toms entering toward the end. The final section, "A Grand Cattle Roundup," features a solo trumpet
playing the main theme, with the full orchestra entering for very brilliant finale.
The idea for this work was posed by the educational director of a large orchestra, expressly for
young people's concerts. It was designed to draw attention to the various sections of the orchestra, and
by using basically the same music for each part, the listeners' focus could be on the timbres of these
sections and soloists. The work was performed numerous times for the student audiences, and it was
always well received.