Violin Concerto
Movement I: “Labyrinth”

Workshopped by the Curtis Symphony Orchestra
Jeffrey Milarsky, conductor
Lun Li, violin

Excerpt 1 (1:44-3:30)

Excerpt 2 (3:33-5:33)

Excerpt 3 (6:20-end)

 
 

Project Description

This two-movement Violin Concerto draws inspiration from cinema and film-noir, with a solo line embodying the essence of an "anti-hero” in dialogue with the orchestra. The first movement, “Labyrinth,” is influenced by the Hitchcock-inspired immersive-theater piece Sleep No More in New York City.

The proposed second movement is inspired by “Victim,” the 1961 neo-noir film about the blackmailing of a closeted gay man, starring Dirk Bogarde. This film was groundbreaking and controversial, credited for helping change the law on homosexuality in the UK. As a closeted individual in real-life, Bogarde's role in the film was both a professional gamble and a personal act of defiance. This music reflects on the psychology inherent in both playing a role on screen while secretly living that character’s truth in reality. By contemplating society’s imposed roles, this movement seeks to capture the tension and vulnerability in blurring the lines between fiction and truth. 

  • Total: 17-20 minutes
    First movement: c.a. 9 minutes
    Proposed second movement: c.a. 8-10  minutes

  • Alternate/reduced instrumentation options are available.

    2 Flutes (Flute 2 = Picc.)
    2 Oboes
    2 Clarinets in Bb (Clarinet 2 = Bass Clarinet)
    2 Bassoons (Bassoon 2 = Contrabassoon)

    4 Horns in F
    2 Trumpets in C (with harmon mutes)
    1 Tenor Trombones (with cup mute)

    1 Bass Trombone

    Timpani
    Percussion (3 Players): Bass Drum, Almglocken, Crotales, Tom-toms (5), Vibraphone, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Suspended Cymbal, High-hat, Snare, Tam-tam, Tuned Gong

    Piano (optional)

    Solo Violin

    Violin 1

    Violin 2

    Viola

    Cello

    Bass

Contact

Young Concert Artists

Christina Baker Senior Director of Artist Management
christina@yca.org | (212)-307-6670

Mic Herring Senior Director of Booking & Operations
mic@yca.org | (212)-307-6668