for Orchestra-Avskedsvariationer/Farewell Variations for Orchestra by Britta Byström (2005). Programme Note Farewell Variations sees the careful approach towards Haydn by Britta Byström. Although you have the title reference to the ”Farewell” Symphony Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 Byström’s approximations are being made in a subtle way similar to her free interpretation of literary works. You will not find any direct thematic connections between Byström and Haydn. Byström’s Haydn inspiration comes in form of the various titles which have been given to a lotof Haydn symphonies in the post-Haydn era. Byström wanted to go in sort of an opposite direction: To compose music based on ”Haydnish” symphonic titles. A kind of symphonic Haydn catalogue appears in the movements. Farewell Variations consist of fourteen variations of Byström’s own thematics. The work begins in sighing and broken phrases – like the shadow of a dance. The titles of the variations lead to the description of daily events starting with morning. A day of Haydn! The last variation farewell ends with the musicians playing on by on. As such there is no story but the titles are the main focus here. Byström says that she musically ”tried to capture some of Haydn’s ease and insights”. Tony Lundman           

Musique de scène-“An enchanted dream” – these words from poet Charles Van Leberghe give an idea of the public’s enthusiasm for the first English language performance on June 21 1898 of Maurice Maeterlinck’s symbolist play. Staged at the Prince of Wales Theatre the play was translated by Jack W. Mackail with stage music composed by Gabriel Fauré. Occupied by various administrative tasks the composer asked his favourite student Charles Koechlin to orchestrate the score in May 1898. The London theatre’s limited instrumental staff corresponded perfectly to the apprentice musician’s ideals of clarity and transparency.Established by Roger Nichols and Otfrid Nies this trilingual edition (French – English – German) is based on signed manuscripts and distinguishes itself through a 60-page critical commentary that precisely retraces the birth of the work. The book presents for the first time the complete incidental music written for the London premiere of Pelléas et Mélisande with the aim of staying true to Koechlin’s original annotated version. Koechlin’s orchestration is equal to the work: a model of clarity and refinement.