Dirk Brossé
Für Elise @ the movies
for Symphony Orchestra
Movements:
’21st Century opening fanfare’ 25”
‘Elise at Tiffany’s’ 5’01”
‘His name is Ludwig, Ludwig VAN… !’ 2’03”
‘Elise’s reflections’ 2’51”
‘May the force be with me’ 3’10”
‘Elise’s starry starry night’ 1’27”
‘Play it again, Ludwig’ 3’27”
‘Elise in space’ 4’13”
‘Elise on Sunset Boulevard’ 2’02”
2016
24’39”
DESCRIPTION
This work is inspired by Ludwig van Beethoven’s world-famous Bagatelle no. 25 in A minor ‘Für Elise’. Its principal theme takes us on a surprising trip through the world of film music. Each of its nine parts is conceived as a mini soundtrack, inspired by a film or by a film character. The titles refer to specific films or to famous film quotes.
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21st Century opening fanfare alludes to Alfred Newman’s 20th Century Fox fanfare.
Elise at Tiffany’s is inspired by Audrey Hepburn, who plays the role of Holly Golightly, the main character in the American romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s, directed by Blake Edwards.
His name is Ludwig, Ludwig VAN… ! is a reference to the Bond films: ‘My name is Bond, James Bond’.
Elise’s reflections is a melancholy inner monologue that refers to Alan J. Pakula’s Sophie’s Choice. In this darkly dramatic film, Sophie – played by Meryl Streep – has to make a heart-rending life-and-death choice.
May the Force be with me refers to the famous ‘May the Force be with you’ blessing used throughout the Star Wars Saga, created by George Lucas. It was first used in Episode 4 – A New Hope and it has meanwhile achieved cult status.
Elise’s starry starry night is inspired by Taiwanese director Tom Lin’s fantasy drama Starry Starry Night.
Play it again, Ludwig. It’s hardly surprising that the minimalist part is called Play it again, Ludwig, a reference to the misquotation ‘Play it again, Sam’. These words are popularly but mistakenly believed to be spoken by Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) in the film Casablanca. The actual line is spoken by Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) to the piano player Sam (Dooley Wilson): ‘Play it once, Sam, for old times’ sake.’ This misquotation is nevertheless the most famous quote from Casablanca.
Elise in Space is an imaginary soundtrack to the American 3D science fiction film Gravity (2013). This film won seven Oscars in 2014. It was written, directed and produced by Alfonso Cuarón and starred Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. In this part, the inimitable Waterphone makes its first appearance.
Elise on Sunset Boulevard gives voice to an imaginary promenade along the 35-km-long Sunset Boulevard. This famous boulevard passes through Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the city where numerous pop and film stars live. Sunset Boulevard features prominently in several films, including Billy Wilder’s multi-Oscar-winning film noir Sunset Boulevard (1950).
With Für Elise @ the Movies Dirk Brossé wanted to show that Beethoven’s music is timeless. If Ludwig were alive and working today, he would undoubtedly also compose for film and television… and maybe even for pop and rock. ‘Für Elise @ the Movies’ is a modest tribute to one of the greatest composers of all time.
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INSTRUMENTATION
2(2nd also pic)2(2nd also c.i.)2(2nd also basscl)2 / 4331 / timp + 2 perc / hp / pno-cel / strings
COMMISSION
Commissioned by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen.
PREMIERE
World premiere by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, conducted by Dirk Brossé on March 7, 2016, at BOZAR Brussels.
PUBLISHER
Dirk Brossé
AVAILABLE SCORES & ORCHESTRAL MATERIALS
Available on a rental base form the composer
RELATED RECORDINGS
Brussels Philharmonic plays Dirk Brossé / A Journey from Philly to Utopia
Antarctic Records 2020 AR 019
Live recording by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, conducted by Dirk Brossé available
CATEGORIES
Works for Orchestra / Chamber Orchestra