William Thomas McKinley

Concerto No. 1, Violin and Orchestra (1995)

Janet Packer, violin
Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra
Jerzy Swoboda, conductor

Also on CD:
Symphony of Winds (1988)
Sinfonie Concertante (1985)


William Thomas McKinley’s Violin Concerto No. 1 (1995) was premiered by its dedicatee, Janet Packer, and the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Jerzy Swoboda, conductor, on September 12, 1997 at the Polish Radio Concert Hall, Warsaw. The four movements of the Concerto depict the four seasons: the crackling ice
and howling wind of winter, the delirious joy of spring, the sweltering heat of summer (featuring a sultry riff on Gershwin's "Summertime"), and the jazzy energy of autumn. 

William Thomas McKinley, one of the most prolific composers of his generation, combines his classical and jazz training in a uniquely American style.

REVIEWS

“A thrilling, arching romantic concerto, sumptuously orchestrated... Anyone looking for a most satisfying and sophisticated late romantic idiom should investigate McKinley: his brilliant technical prowess, deep understanding and empathy with the great classical traditions and his eloquent sense of contemporary language deserve him a prominent place in American music.”

—Tempo

LISTEN TO EXCERPTS

Concerto, Violin and Orchestra (1995)
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall