BSO Pulse: Program Notes 2016-2017 Houndmouth with the Baltimore Symphony | Page 2

BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

&

FRATRES
Who: Arvo Pärt (b. 1935), an Estonian composer

HOUNDMOUTH
Fratres
Arvo Pärt
Scratchband
John Adams
Members of the
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

What: Fratres (Latin for “brothers”)
When & Where: Composed in 1977 and premiered in Tallinn, Estonia
Arvo Pärt’s music is often described as being part of the “Holy minimalism” movement, a
style that uses the structure and patterns of minimalism blended with a dose of chant and
mysticism to lure its listeners into a trance-like, meditative state.
Pärt’s music has been embraced by musicians both in the classical and popular worlds,
and his champions that include Björk and R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. His music is often used
by documentary makers, and Fratres has had numerous film soundtrack credits, most
notably including Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood.

SCRATCHBAND
SET CHANGE
interviews with the musicians

Who: John Adams (b. 1947), an American composer who was raised in Massachusetts and
is based in California
What: Scratchband, a short opener that features traditional orchestral instruments with
electric guitar, synthesizer and drums
When & Where: Composed in 1996 and premiered at Penn State University

HOUNDMOUTH SET

COLLABORATIVE SET
Houndmouth and
Members of the Baltimore
Symphony Orchestra

John Adams’ music is often described as Minimalist or post-Minimalist, in part because
of his frequent use of repetition as a building block. However, Adams prefers to say he is
“post-style” composer.
Many elements of that “post-style” are on display in Scratchband. Culture writer Seth
Colter Walls describes it as “a whirligig of a piece” where “woodwinds and brass chase
each other through thrashing figures so drunk on high spirits that the electric guitar, bass,
and percussion can barely keep up.”

THE ORCHESTRA:
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Kevin Smith, Ellen Troyer, violins • Peter Minkler, viola • Seth Low, cello •
David Sheets, bass • Emily Skala, flute • Melissa Hopper, oboe •
Lin Ma, Bill Jenken, clarinet • Julie Gregorian, bassoon • May Bisson, horn •
René Hernandez, trumpet • John Vance, trombone • Chris Williams, percussion •
Lura Johnson, Michael Sheppard, piano

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