Program Notes
Vitality (2022) was written for the Aspen Conducting Academy 2022 orchestral readings and was inspired by a quote by Martha Graham: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening, that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” Graham begins in celebration of discovery and hope (the what), then reflects upon the process (the how), and closes with a warning (the why). The piece loosely follows this structure, musically exploring the prickly and potent glimmers of one’s life force alongside the uncertainty of self-expression and vulnerability.
Additional Information
PERFORMED BY:
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra
Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra
Sequoia Symphony Orchestra
Central Ohio Symphony
Adrian Symphony Orchestra
Lynn University Philharmonia
San Diego Youth Symphony
Contemporary Youth Orchestra
Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra
Queen's University Orchestra
UC Santa Cruz Orchestra
VITALITY MEDIA
"Take “Vitality,” the shimmering opener at last Sunday’s concert by the 30-year-old American composer Gala Flagello. The 6-minute work served as a mini overture and awakened the audience with its luminous beauty" from "The young and the restless at Music in the Mountains," by Judith Reynolds (The Journal)
"A study in Americana contrasts," by Mark Tiarks (Santa Fe New Mexican)
Performance score is available for purchase through Just a Theory Press. Parts are available to rent by requesting a quote.
Media