Composed 2004; Duration: 19 minutes
First orchestral performance of this work.
After more than three decades and a whopping $800 million (in today’s money), the imposing Romanesque Revival structure in Albany that continues to serve as New York’s Capitol building was opened in 1899. The “Million Dollar Staircase,” or the Great Western Staircase, is an architectural marvel in its own right, with 444 steps spanning four stories and featuring numerous intricate ornamental features, including sculptures. The staircase was the inspiration for Paul Moravec’s 2004 commission by the Albany Symphony, with a fully orchestrated version being premiered here.
Moravec, a Buffalo native, continues to contribute to music in New York, teaching at both Adelphi University and Mannes School of Music. He has been described as a “new tonalist” and counts the Prix de Rome and the Pulitzer Prize in Music (Tempest Fantasy, 2004) as major acknowledgements of prowess as a composer, which can be heard in the four-movement Serenade. The work is practically a tour of the Great Western Staircase, heroically portraying the historical New Yorkers whose busts are on display at the Capitol, alongside the lighthearted flora and fauna that can be seen on the scenic ascent.
Moravec writes, “Serenade is an homage to the haunting sculpted faces and figures carved into the magnificent Western Staircase of the New York State Capitol Building. The faces divide into two categories: the ‘Knowns,’ celebrated historical personages, and the ‘Unknowns,’ individuals known only to their friends and family. The first movement, ‘Ascent,’ evokes the climb up the staircase up to the sky-lit top level. Movements II and IV, I project the simple dignity of the ‘Unknowns.’ The scherzo third movement, ‘Capitol Critters,’ is a character sketch of the various frisky animals—cats, squirrels, lizards, etc.—eternally scampering up and down the stairs. This is the world premiere of the full orchestral version. Serenade is dedicated to the citizens of New York State.” –Paul Moravec