Commissioned by: Hamilton Philharmonic, with the assistance of the Canada Council
Premiered by: Nancy Nelson, English Horn, Hamilton Philharmonic, Victor Feldbrill, conductor, Hamilton, April 23, 1991
“Divertimento No. 11 for English Horn and String Orchestra is cast in a form similar to the composer’s Divertimentos 6, 7 and 10 – an extended movement of 6 interconnected sections that extends the sonic voice of the English Horn beyond its traditional temperament: the dramatic, playful, a touch of blues, as well as a seldom revealed virtuosity. The role of the strings is dialogue rather than accompaniment. The final section is a set of 3 cadenzas for the English Horn preceded by brief string interludes, after which the English Horn soars to its top register, recalling the opening motives, now propelled to its conclusion by powerful thrusts of the strings.”
Appears on the Canadian Music Centre website.