ABC Classic FM will broadcast the Symphony No 2 – Ghosts of Reason in a performance from January 2013 by the South Jutland Orchestra (David Porcelijn, conductor) at 9.30pm eastern Australian time on Wednesday, November 27, 2013.
In an article that combines a review of Andrew Schultz’s Ghosts of Reason – Symphony No. 2 and an interview with the composer in the Danish magazine Klassik pt, Michael Schäfer says:
“The symphony starts with the delicate sounds of a harp like the gentle swaying of grass in the breeze. The breeze intensifies and so do the tones of the harp to a degree that is almost surprising. The brass instruments have joined in although only the harp seems to be noticed. More and more instruments join in and divinely beautiful harmonies fill the room. There is somehow something unknown about it. The violins are not playing the melody. It is the usually accompanying instruments changing roles and taking over the lead. The tempo increases, but suddenly a strange kind of calm descends over the audience. How can it be that the violins continue playing? And yet, all light tones seem to have suddenly disappeared. The double bass has taken control of the orchestra! “I would like to be able to convey the scorched, rich ochre sonority found in the voices of Aborigines”, says Andrew Schultz about his work. He has definitely succeeded in doing so. We, the audience, are spell-bound by this music that takes us on a tour through the desert with whispering wind, through rich and fertile areas with birds flapping their wings, to the coast and the roar of the ocean.
Andrew Schultz’ music is filled with emotions and unexpected sounds. The overwhelming warmth of the music becomes even more striking when you have experienced the intellectual character of the composer. These are sounds that open up for his true self, showing his inner self, so warm and sympathetic. Andrew Schultz’ music touches the soul and speaks to the mind.”
Read more of the interview and article:
http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/where-words-fail-music-speaks
Hear and see a little of the work in rehearsal on Danish television (the music and interview starts at the 2:30 mark):
http://www.tvsyd.dk/artikel/183982:Komponisten-lytter-med
- South Jutland Orchestra (David Porcelijn, conductor) rehearses in Christkirche, Rendsburg, Germany
