Luukas Hiltunen
Symphony No. 1
Short instrumentation: 2 3 2 3 - 4 3 3 0, timp, perc(3), hp, str
Duration: 30'
Instrumentation details:
1st flute (+picc)
2nd flute (+picc)
cor anglais
1st oboe
2nd oboe
1st clarinet in Bb
2nd clarinet in Bb
contrabassoon
1st bassoon
2nd bassoon
1st horn in F
2nd horn in F
3rd horn in F
4th horn in F
1st trumpet in F
2nd trumpet in F
3rd trumpet in F
1st trombone
2nd trombone
3rd trombone
timpani
cymbal
bass drum
snare drum
harp
violin I (18 players)
violin II (16 players)
viola (12 players)
violoncello (10 players)
double bass (8 players)
Symphony No. 1
Sample pages
Audio preview
Work introduction
Composed between 22 February 2019 and 26 June 2020 in Tampere, just before and shortly after the pandemic, the work captures human life, in the first two movements earthly life, its passing times and moments, and in the 15-minute finale, spirit's journey from the darkness of the grave (contrabassoon being as the 'guide') to the Light at the end ('hymn').
The world premiere performance took place on 18 April 2022 in Järvenpää Hall given by Sinfonia Vivo, the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Finland, under the baton of its Artistic Director Erkki Lasonpalo.
What is necessary to perform this work?
- If possible, the harp part can be doubled for a more penetrative effect.
- The metronome markings are for reference. However, varying should not be more than ten (10) units.
- After the first movement, it is recommended to have a short pause (silence) at least for one (1) minute in order to let the ethereal music at the end to raise to its full emotional impact.
- Although it is not indicated in the score, Finale should follow Scherzo almost attacca (without pause).
- Although Tempo I (Tempo primo) is meaning “the first tempo” or “the original tempo of a composition or a movement”, in the Finale on the measure 76, at the rehearsal letter J, Tempo I is referring to the dominating tempo of the movement that is Agitato, not the Andante sostenuto at the beginning.