Trumpet Concerto

In this Concerto, composed in 2002, Zdenek Lukas (1928-2007) places deft mastery of orchestration at the service of a vivacious creative impulse.  Double woodwinds plus piccolo (3-2-2-2), judiciously reduced brasses (4-0-0-0), and 5 tamburi (tom-toms), to which cymbals, tam-tam, claves, and triangle are sparingly added, augment a full string section that provides the backbone of the accompaniment. Together they weave an aural tapestry of uncommon suppleness in both dynamics and orchestra-soloist balance, allowing the graciously virtuosic and often somewhat surprising dialogue of the solo trumpet to emerge effortlessly in relief.  It's a multifaceted and satisfying piece that delivers a compelling musical message. Zdenek Lukas writes: I never compose music for my own sake.  My scores derive their fundamental inspiration from the musicians to whom they are dedicated ; and it's their artistry, above all else, that I seek to display. Quote by Sabina Pade: I agree wholeheartedly that this is an attractive work and that it is likely to find a large audience.  I think that trumpeters will enjoy playing it, that orchestras will enjoy programming it, and that listeners, even those who don't normally incline to 'modern' music, will enjoy hearing it.  Everything about the piece seems well crafted, and a good fit.