Contemporary classical music publisher

Symphony No. 2 [conductor’s score]

orchestra
Composed in 2016 and completely revised and re-orchestrated for its premiere in 2024, Symphony No. 2, unlike the other three works, is not the result of a commission. It was born of the composer’s desire to return to orchestral writing and large-scale forms.
The work is divided into four movements that are very representative of Michel Lysight’s current style: evolving repetitive writing, extremely elaborate counterpoint, subtle and colourful orchestration in which percussion plays an essential role, sudden modulations and surprising harmonic changes, relentless rhythmics, and so on.
The first movement is immediately dramatic in character, beginning with an ascending scale played by the lower instruments. This is followed by a highly expressive three-measure theme, each of which can be superimposed on the other two. A great orchestral crescendo leads into the highly rhythmic middle section, in which various motifs develop. The first part then returns, but is treated and orchestrated differently at the end.
The second movement presents a highly lyrical and expressive motif in a variety of ways. This is followed by a livelier section in which several themes are superimposed, creating a complex melodic and rhythmic polyphony. Suddenly, however, the motive from the first part returns, but played twice as fast, bringing the movement to a close.
The third movement is in the form of a passacaglia: three main themes, which can be played simultaneously, are set against a relentless bass, gradually building to an immense orchestral crescendo.
The fourth movement is essentially based on an asymmetrical meter (7/8) and has a highly dance-like and obsessive character. Several contrasting episodes follow one another, leading up to the exuberant finale.
The first performance by the IMEP Symphony Orchestra conducted by Laurent Zufferey took place on 21 December 2024 at the Grand Manège in Namur (Belgium).

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