Event Description

Composer Augusta Read Thomas joins Scott Speck, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Chicago Philharmonic, to revisit the 2017 world premiere of Thomas’ Sonorous Earth, performed by Chicago Philharmonic and Third Coast Percussion. We place you right in the middle of the action as Speck and Thomas guide you throughout the piece, giving unique insights into the work and its premiere performance.

Inspired by Thomas’ 2012 Resounding Earth for percussion ensemble alone, Sonorous Earth was commissioned by Chicago Philharmonic as a new work for percussion quartet and orchestra. The concerto features over 300 bells and gongs sourced from a range of cultures and historical periods.

“What once felt ritualistic and intimate now is big, bold and public — a joyous affirmation of commonality across world cultures… The audience awarded the composer and performers a clamorous ovation.”– John Von Rhein, Chicago Tribune.

Sonorous Earth – Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964)
for percussion quartet and orchestra

I. Invocation – Pulse Radiance – Homage to Olivier Messiaen and Igor Stravinsky
II. Prayer – Star Dust Orbits – Homage to Luciano Berio and Pierre Boulez
III. Mantra – Ceremonial Time Shapes – Homage to Lou Harrison and György Ligeti
IV. Reverie Carillon – Crystal Lattice – Homage to Edgard Varèse, Harry Partch and John Cage