Both pieces in this record are rich and emotionally imbued. The Concerto
for Percussion and Orchestra consists of three movements all with their
own array of solo instruments. The percussionist changing positions in
every one until, at the end, he returns to his initial one. The first
movement as well as the end of the piece are marked by eruptive blocks
of sound, the drums dominating. The orchestral textures are organized in
three layers of sophisticated rhythmical patterns which together with a
solo like horn and tuba provide continuous motion throughout the whole
movement. The second movement is more lyrical, dominated by resonating
instruments. Cerha himself on this movement: “I was originally
stimulated by observing the slow movements of heavenly bodies and ways
of catching up and overtaking which play a part in many areas of life.”
The third movement gets back to first one and has a scherzo-like
character. The high, clear sounds of the xylophone, wood blocks and log
drums are dominating the motion in a frenzied tempo.
Impulse (means ‘Impulses’) is a multifaceted orchestral work with strong
musical contrasts. Constructs of fierce, passionate Nature alternate
with expressions of quietude, pensively elegiac, at times harshly and
suddenly juxtaposed, along with gestures (most of them emphasised by
dynamics) initiating a process leading continuously toward new, altered
situations. The piece was commissioned by the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra.