Wollaston Beach is a composition commissioned by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra for a Pops Concert in 1994. The premiere recording was conducted by Ann Danis on May 20, 1994 in Quincy, MA. The piece is in a clear Sonata form with an introduction of three long notes on F as if saying the word “Wal – las – ton” slowly. The figure repeats on the note G after which the three-note figure builds up in an Allegro tempo. A more cantabile second theme is then presented in the oboe. A rhythmic intervalic theme ends the exposition section. A development section includes variations of both the first and second themes as well a a short quote from Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The recapitulation is preceded by a buildup similar to that of the introduction. The piece ends how it started – with three long notes on F. The instrumentation is Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (1 player – Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Triangle, and Crash Cymbals) and Strings.
Commissioned by
Ann Danis