Berlin / Prague / Vienna
New music inspired by some of the sights and sounds of three cities we visited in July 2025.
There are twelve pieces for orchestra, 4 for each capital, covering a wide range of moods.
Berlin
Alexanderplatz
An exploration of the busy square, glimpsing the Fernsehturm, world clock and St. Marienkirche. The theme is echoed throughout woodwind, before being taken up by the trumpets and shared across the orchestra, finally appearing in the low brass.
Brandenburger Tor
Brass lead a solid theme accompanied by percussion, developing on strings. The middle section diverts before returning to the main theme with staccato woodwind counter melody.
Kurfürstendamm
Woodwind and harp take us on a gentle stroll along this major street, spotting the remains of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church along the way.
Topographie des Terrors
Strident tones across the orchestra herald a darker theme for this fascinating historical site. Cymbals, snare drum and tubular bells add to the initial impact, giving way to a woodwind contemplation before returning to a loud flourish at the end.
Prague
Betlemske Obvod
A walk through Prague's old town reveals a variety of buildings and alleys. Clarinet leads the melody, as woodwind weave with pizzicato strings and harp.
The Orloj
Wood blocks signal the clockwork while bassoon arrives with the first melody. Twelve themes take their turn, each one representing an apostle appearing at the hourly display.
Old Castle Stairs
Climbing from the depths of stepping low strings and melody on bass clarinet, this piece rises from the river towards the castle.
Vladislav Hall
Continuing from the stairs to the castle and this dramatic medieval hall, once host to banquets, coronations and tournaments of knights. An elegant introduction on strings and woodwind builds to a bold brass theme, echoed on strings, then diverting to a banquet dance sequence before returning to its dramatic conclusion.
Vienna
Stephansplatz
High woodwind melodies float across the decorative gothic roof of Stephansdom, before descending to a gentle waltz around the square.
Schloss Schönbrunn
Horns introduce a robust theme for this magnificent palace, before the orchestra explores some of the many ornate rooms.
Votivkirche
A hint of an Austrian hymn tune floats above the introduction to this celebration of the gothic cathedral. Oboes and violins lead the main melody, with trumpet adding a variation, before cellos play a second theme.
Hofburg
The whole orchestra joins together in this final waltz, a celebratory piece named after the imperial palace.