Lukas Foss

Renaissance Concerto

Written in 1985, for Carol Wincenc and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Renaissance Concerto is one of the best known and most frequently performed of Lukas Foss' works. Scored for a small orchestra of single winds, Horn, 2 Trumpets, Trombone, Timpani, Percussion, Harp, optional Harpsichord and Strings. Renaissance Concerto has quickly established itself as a major addition to the short list of audience-friendly contemporary concertos for Flute. Cast in 4 movements, the work is a serious and playful look (through 20th Century glasses) at some of the styles and masters of Renaissance and Baroque music. The scoring is wonderfully luminous and the flute, by turn pensive and mercurial, charts a wonderful course through the various styles. The work exploits the instrument with a profound understanding of its musical character and is great fun to perform and hear as well. Performance materials are available from the Rental Department.