‘For a composer, nothing is more inspirational than writing for and working with fantastic performers. This recording is a testament to the joy of composing for two inspirational soloists, Svet Stoyanov and Matthew Strauss, and the thrill of hearing it all come to life in the hands of the fabulous Houston Symphony, with Robert Spano expertly guiding the proceedings! I could not be more pleased and honored to share these two works and the artistry of these extraordinary musicians through Naxos.’
– Jennifer Higdon
Jennifer HIGDON (b. 1962)
Duo Duel *
Concerto For Orchestra
Matthew Strauss & Svet Stoyanov, Percussion *Houston Symphony
Robert Spano
Pulitzer Prize- and three-time GRAMMY award-winning composer, Jennifer Higdon, continues to write what the Chicago Sun-Times describes as music “both modern and timeless”. Duo Duel for two pitched percussion instruments and orchestra is a double concerto of scintillating, high-speed virtuosity: “don’t blink – you might miss something!” she advises the listener. Concerto for Orchestra demands the utmost in technical accomplishment from all members of the orchestra. The first movement was written last to give a clearer picture of what was needed to start a work that is both an orchestral celebration and a true virtuoso tour-de-force.
Matthew Strauss combines his position as associate principal timpanist/section percussionist of the Houston Symphony with that of associate professor at Rice University and faculty member at the Texas Music Festival (University of Houston). He has performed with numerous leading American orchestras, including as soloist, and is also an active chamber musician. He is a performing artist and clinician for Promark, Evans Drumheads, Zildjian and Pearl Drums.
Svet Stoyanov is a driving force in modern percussion, both as concert performer, music producer and educator. He has commissioned a significant body of new works, including Jennifer Higdon’s Duo Duel, and Sideman, a percussion concerto by Mason Bates. As a producer, he has mixed and co-presented numerous works for the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. He is also a founding member of The Percussion Collective – a groundbreaking collaborative ensemble featuring some of today’s finest percussionists.
Robert Spano, conductor, pianist, composer and teacher, is known for the intensity of his artistry and distinctive communicative abilities. He is music director laureate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, having previously served as music director for twenty seasons, during which time he has garnered four GRAMMY Awards and eight nominations with the orchestra. An avid mentor to rising artists, he is responsible for nurturing the careers of numerous celebrated composers, conductors, and performers.
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