Work of the Week – Katherine Balch: musica pyralis

Katherine Balch has composed a large-scale orchestral work for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The new piece, entitled musica pyralis, will be premiered on 16 February 2024 at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It will be performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Manfred Honeck. 

The approximately 11-minute work is a joint commission as part of 'Amplifying Voices, a New Music USA initiative'. In addition to the premiere orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Santa Rosa Symphony, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the Erie Philharmonic are also involved.

musica pyralis by Katherine Balch: like a rustling of butterflies

The title of the work refers to a special kind of small butterfly that serves as inspiration for the musical material. Balch often searches for special sounds in nature or in small objects, which she either incorporates directly into her music or imitates with instruments. The almost inaudible rustling of butterflies is related to one of the California-born composer's favourite sounds, the rustling of leaves.

The music of composer Katherine Balch captures the magic of everyday sounds, inviting audiences into a sonic world characterized by imagination, discovery, and textural lyricism.  Inspired by the intimacy of quotidian objects, found sounds, and natural processes, she has been described as “some kind of musical Thomas Edison – you can just hear her tinkering around in her workshop, putting together new sounds and textural ideas. (San Francisco Chronicle)

After a further performance in Pittsburgh on 18 February 2024, musica pyralis will be performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at David Geffen Hall in New York City from 12 to 14 April 2024. Manfred Honeck will also conduct here. Further performances with the other orchestras mentioned are planned.
 

Further Reading:

Katherine Balch: Composer Profile 

musica pyralis: Work Details and Online Score  

Website Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra 

Website New York Philharmonic 

photo: Bluebird Photography