The composer Thomas Pitfield experienced a 'gross miscarriage of justice' due to multiple rejections by the BBC reading panel, despite efforts from friends and colleagues.
Composition History
The Sinfonietta was written at the request of Sir John Barbirolli, a conductor, for the Hallé Orchestra, after he admired Pitfield's Oboe Sonata.
Composer Biography
Thomas Baron Pitfield, born in 1903, was an 'all-round artist' who designed his own house and furniture, and pursued both musical and artistic interests into his nineties.
Composer Biography
Pitfield was largely self-taught as a composer, and many of his works are miniatures often written for children or amateurs.
Compositional Technique
Pitfield had a speciality for writing for unusual instruments, including solo works for accordion, harmonica, clarsach (a small Scottish harp), timpani, and xylophone.
Composition History
Pitfield destroyed the manuscript of his Concerto Lirico after a disappointing broadcast performance, but a microfilm of the work was later found by his executor.
Recording & Production
The Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, the oldest symphonic ensemble in the Baltic states, has received the highest national music award, the 'Great Music Award', and multiple Latvian Recordings Awards.
You might also enjoy...
Zádor: Piano Quintet, Accordion Concerto, Suite for Brass Instruments & Hungarian Fantasy
An Eventful Morning in East London: 21st Century Violin Concertos
An Eventful Morning in East London - 21st Century Violin Concertos
Berg: Violin Concerto / Rihm: Time Chant (1991/92)
Martin: Concerto For 7 Wind Instruments (1949); Polyptyque pour violon solo et deux petits orchestres à cordes (1972-73); Études pour orchestre à cordes (1955-56)
Marjan Mozetich: Affairs of the Heart
Mozetich: Affairs of the Heart - the Music of Marjan Mozetich
