Composer Larysa Kuzmenko — “Fantasy on a Theme by Beethoven” [WORLD PREMIERE]

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performing Canadian composer Larysa Kuzmenko’s “Fantasy on a Theme by Beethoven,” led by conductor Rune Bergman

"The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra commissioned me to write a work, featuring the oboe, inspired by Beethoven's Symphony No.1. This work was to celebrate Beethoven's birthday," composer Larysa Kuzmenko told The Violin Channel.

"I chose to write a theme and variations loosely based on the main theme of the first movement. The theme goes through different permutations, but remains recognizable, largely because of its shape and rhythm. The biggest challenge when writing this piece was being restricted to Beethoven's instrumentation — the orchestra in the classical era was much smaller than the contemporary orchestra."

"Psychological timing is very important to me when I compose a work. I try to take my listener on a musical journey and then bring them back home. In this piece, I would like the listener to experience the different presentations of the theme," she said.

Recorded on February 14^th, 2020, just prior to the COVID-19 lockdown.

LARYSA KUZMENKO | "FANTASY ON A THEME BY BEETHOVEN" | RUNE BERGMAN & THE CALGARY PHILHARMONIC | 2020