Concerto No. 1 "In Pursuit of Flying"

In Pursuit of Flying is a piano concerto in three movements, all of which are connected thematically and structurally. The first movement features material that is clearly melodic in nature, and plays with the traditional form of a first movement for concertos. The first theme is introduced in the orchestra, and the piano introduces the second theme when it enters, so that the ensemble and piano are delineated not only dramatically but thematically as well. The piano later picks up the first theme, and then following its cadenza, both themes are combined.

The second movement is a dream-like exploration of dovetailing harmonies and themes. Unresolved dissonances are allowed to trail off into silence until a second character emerges – a kind of gentle dance which lives in a world that weaves freely into and out of the slower more emotionally charged music. The piano has the last word, after one final outcry which roars with blurred dissonances: a slow cadenza made up of long suspensions counterpointing a transformation of the opening melody.

The final movement is a wild and spinning presto with ripping figures in the piano, romping through the ensemble and finally careening towards an explosive end.

I am thrilled to have written this concerto for Jeremy Denk, who is one of my all-time favorite pianists; to write this piece for Mr. Denk and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is truly an honor. And I am profoundly grateful to Justus and Helen Schlichting for generously commissioning the piece. Hannah Lash