Flute Concerto no. 2

Flute Concerto no. 2 (2001) 21 minutes.
First performance: Reykjavik 2003, Sharon Bezaly, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov.
Instrumentation: 3.3.2.3(III also c.bsn).-0.3.3.1-perc(3)-solo flute-pft-hrp-strings (no double basses).

A brilliant showpiece for amplified flute and orchestra in five movements, each of which consists of several contrasting sections. The ever-changing textures are among Tómasson´s most inventive, ranging from moto perpetuo motion to near-stillness reminiscent of Farben from Arnold Schoenberg´s Five Pieces for Orchestra.

“Exuberantly inventive”
International Record Review, July 2005.

“Icelandic composer Haukur Tómasson’s work is more texturally than melodically based, but what textures they are! … neatly illustrates exactly why a modern work for flute and orchestra offers so many more timbral possibilities than music of earlier periods.” David Hurwitz, Classics Today, August 2005.

“…characterised with exceptional skill and attractiveness… such fascinating colouristic hints that one listens enraptured.” MusicWeb International, August 2005.

“It’s a gnomic, intriguing work that repays repeated listening.” Classical Source, September 2005.

“…imbued with a fantastical and luminous quality…” Gramophone, Editor´s Choice, September 2005.

Recordings: BIS CD-1419 and BIS CD 1499; Sharon Bezaly flute, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Bernharður Wilkinson.

For further information please contact the Iceland Music Information at itm@mic.is or the composer at hato@simnet.is