BBC National Orchestra of Wales Presents UK Premiere of Joan Tower's Love Returns
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales celebrated the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence with a special concert series, highlighted by the UK premiere of Love Returns, a concerto for alto saxophone composed by the renowned 87-year-old American composer Joan Tower. The performance took place at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff under the direction of Finnish conductor Tomas Djupsjöbacka.
An Uncommonly Appealing Composition
Joan Tower, best known for her iconic Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, has crafted an exceptionally engaging piece with Love Returns. The concerto draws its title from Tower's use of a melody from her piano work Love Letter, which was written in memory of her late husband. This melody serves as the foundation for a theme and variations structure, deviating significantly from traditional concerto forms.
The composition unfolds over six distinct sections, gradually accelerating in tempo throughout. The fifth section features a solo saxophone cadenza, masterfully executed by soloist Steven Banks. Banks demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning between edgy and honeyed tones with expressive depth. His performance blended virtuosic passagework with poignant lyricism, while Djupsjöbacka skillfully balanced Tower's intricate orchestral textures with the solo lines.
Dynamic Second Half Pairing
The concert's second half presented a clever pairing of Carl Maria von Weber's Second Symphony in C major and Paul Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber. The BBCNOW wind players excelled in Weber's felicitous instrumentation and operatic energy, with Djupsjöbacka making a compelling case for this rarely programmed symphony through his energetic conducting.
Hindemith's 1943 work, composed in the United States, offers a reimagining rather than a faithful tribute to Weber's themes, functioning as a concerto for orchestra where each section receives spotlight moments. The piece is characterized by its noisy, occasionally vulgar, but ultimately fun nature—a descriptor not commonly associated with Hindemith's typically serious compositions.
Controversial Opening and Broadcast Details
The concert opened with Benjamin Britten's An American Overture, an early work the composer had considered dead and buried after its rediscovery in the New York Public Library three decades later. Britten, a committed pacifist, requested its destruction and would likely have been dismayed by its inclusion in a program during a period of heightened political tensions. While not representative of Britten's finest work, it served as a historical curiosity.
This vibrant concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on March 26, offering audiences nationwide the opportunity to experience this exceptional musical event. The performance underscored BBCNOW's commitment to presenting innovative programming while honoring historical milestones through contemporary classical music.
