This
work was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra, and premiered
by them in April, 1983; Leonard Slatkin was the conductor,
and the Orchestra's English Hornist, Ferald Capps, was soloist.
In a review of
the premiere performance, the Minneapolis Star and Tribune
stated: "Running's Concertino is
tonal and accessible on first hearing.
Rather than perplexing the mind, the work caresses the
ear - although it is
more complicated than it sounds. The outer movements
have a generally
neo-classic character: clean, clear, trim lines and bouncy,
effervescent
rhythms. There is wit in the writing, too, and the work
ends as though a
punch line had just been given. The middle Chorale movement
offers a
total change in mood. Here Running gives the solo a striking
theme - grave,
reverent and nostalgic - a theme that winds and curls
its way against a
cushion of muted strings. The audience responded warmly.
With this work,
Running has enhanced the slim literature for English
Horn and Orchestra."
Hear this music as performed by the Minnesota
Orchestra, with Leonard
Slatkin conducting and Ferald Capps as soloist:
