Kraft: Concertos

The Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra was commissioned by Percussion Projects for Thomas Akins and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The premiere took place March 9, 1984, with John Nelson conducting and subsequently won the second prize in the Kennedy Center Friedheim Awards. The music was composed during 1983 at the MacDowell Colony. About his Piano Concerto William Kraft writes: "In 1971, the Ford Foundation announced its second round of grants to soloists who, in turn, were to select composers of their choice. One of the recipients was the young and very dramatic pianist Mona Golabek. After nearly a year of searching, listening and interviewing, Ms. Golabek called me to discuss the project, and eventually offered me the commission." The concerto was written during 1972-1973 and then revised in 1989. It was John Cerminaro who asked William Kraft to write a piece for him. Evening Voluntaries was composed in 1980, but sat unplayed because Mr. Cerminaro felt it was unplayable. Mr. Kraft prevailed and the piece was given its premiere by Jeff von der Schmidt on May 16, 1983, at the Monday Evening Concerts in Los Angeles. It was Jeff von der Schmidt who this time commissioned Veils and Variations. It was completed in May, 1988. It was first performed by the forces heard in this recording on January 27, 1989. It won the first prize in the Kennedy Center Friedheim Awards.