The Prodigal Son
for symphony orchestra
2012
approx. duration 22 minutes
Instrumentation
[2222-4231-tmp+2-voice-str]2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets
2 Bassoons
4 Horns
2 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion (Triangle, Chimes, Bass Drum)
Countertenor or Mezzo-Soprano
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Bass
Notes
The Prodigal Son, is written for a symphony of moderate size and traditional orchestration with the addition of a countertenor. While not meant to be an oratorio, two of the four movements contain brief recitatives in which the soloist offers portions of the text of the Parable of the Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32. The four movements are not a literal, programmatic representation or interpretation of the biblical text, rather this piece reflects a more personal story, using the parable as a parallel.
The first movement establishes the main themes, motives, and harmonic ideas as well as offers a brief recitative that introduces the character of the work. A rising arpeggiated triad, the major and minor thirds, the falling half-step, and the manipulation of set classes 3-2 (013), 3-3 (014), and 3-7 (025) which are derived from the B-flat minor superimposed on the C Major all become important elements throughout, illustrating conflicting, inverse ideas, and juxtaposed harmonies.
The second movement is segmented, akin to a Classical Rondo form, but a final return to the opening material never occurs. The work carries the listener through several translations of the previously mentioned motivic and harmonic ideas traveling away from its source.
The short third movement begins with a recitative-like solo bassoon, and then again the vocalist offers a small portion of the text in which they ask for forgiveness. The movement ends with another clash of the C Major and B-flat Minor chords, leaving the soloist unanswered.
The fourth movement represents a kind of journey back to the original material. But again, the answer to this question is not fully given, and the original material from the first movement is not reintroduced in any grand, definitive manner. The work is not a complete retelling of the parable, going on to illustrate a father’s forgiveness and acceptance. Instead, it is only concerned with the child’s desire to return home and their request for forgiveness.