Emma Lou Diemer

Alaska Concerto in One Movement

Concerto in One Movement for Organ and Chamber Orchestra (Alaska) was written for Madeline Schatz and the Arctic Chammber Orchestra. In one movement, the moods and tempos shift from a broad sustained beginning to a lively and rhythmic section, followed by a quiet, slower middle section. A brief organ cadenza introduces an extended, again lively and rhythmic final section. Although the organ is prevalent almost throughout, there are also important statements and colorations in the orchestra. One may recognize a few borrowed musical references: a rhythmic patter of the Inuit; the first phrase of the Passion Chorale from the 16th century composer Hans Leo Hassler; and the traditional Hebrew melody, Yigdal.