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Saratoga, Festive Fanfare for Orchestra
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Instrumentation: 3(picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 3(C.Bn.) - 4 3 3(B. Tbn.) 1; Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Str.
Duration: 6 minutes
Commission: by the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the Philadelphia Orchestra
Premiere: August 10, 2005. the Philadelphia Orchestra, Charles Dutoit, conductor, Saratoga Springs, New York
Score and Parts: Presser Rentals and Purchase
Score online: Available for Perusal at Presser
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About Saratoga, Festive Fanfare for Orchestra:
Saratoga, Festive Fanfare or Orchestra was commissioned for the 40th anniversary of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s summer home in Saratoga, New York. It alludes to the American victory in the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 as the turning point in the war for Independence.
A simple 7-note scale is presented first by a solo flute in a descending melodic line at the beginning of the piece. They are then rearranged to form a hymn-like theme played by a solo French horn, alluding to the style prevalent during the Revolutionary War.
The newly composed hymn is often heard in larger note values (augmentation) in the low brass while its variations involving shorter note values (diminution) are used continuously throughout the piece. In the finale, this hymn is played in its entirety by the whole orchestra with a celebratory and festive character that is enhanced by the sounds of cymbals and bells.
The Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Charles Dutoit, premiered Saratoga on August 10, 2005 in Saratoga, New York.
- Behzad Ranjbaran
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