Gioia (included on the Bach Legacy program) is a new work for string orchestra by John Adams, conceived in the tradition of the concerto grosso. Scored for two solo violins—written with Richard Tognetti and Satu Vänskä in mind—set against the full ensemble, the work is expected to explore a fluid exchange between soloist and group, with musical material circulating across the orchestra rather than remaining fixed in a single line of focus. With a projected duration of approximately 14–16 minutes, Gioia is expected to reflect the qualities that have defined Adams’ music over several decades: clarity of gesture, kinetic energy and a strong sense of forward motion.
Written specifically for the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Gioia will draw on the ensemble’s precision and responsiveness, with an emphasis on both individual virtuosity and tightly coordinated ensemble playing.
It is indisputable that the constant evolution of the western classical music canon has been shaped by the enduring genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. Continuing to this day, Bach’s ideas are woven into the work of successive generations; Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Bartók, Schoenberg, Glass, and Adams have all considered Bach before putting pen to paper. Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra will be joined by cellist Steven Isserlis for a program celebrating the enduring legacy of JS Bach.
JS BACH (arr. Tognetti) Ricercar a 6 from The Musical Offering, BWV 1079 (7′)
JOHN TAVENER Eternal Memory (12′)
CPE BACH Cello Concerto in A major (20′)
interval
SOFIA GUBAIDULINA Reflections on the Theme B-A-C-H (7)
JS BACH (arr. Mozart) Fugue in Eb major from The Well-Tempered Clavier BWV 876 (4′)
JOHN ADAMS Gioia (16′) [World Premiere Tour]
BEETHOVEN (arr. strings) Grosse Fuge, Op. 133 (16′)
