After nearly a decade of composing opera, Brio: Toccata and Fantasy for Orchestra is John Estacio’s first orchestral work after completing his most recent opera Lillian Alling. Set in three sections, Brio is a vigorous and mercurial piece that charts the course of a short melodic motive from its strident introduction by muted trumpets, through to a resounding conclusion. The first section of the piece, the toccata, features several short solos for the woodwinds and the brass. A fugal passage for the strings builds to a martial statement for the full orchestra, with strings and snare drum hammering an insistent rhythm. The first section culminates with an intense chromatic passage that ascends from the depths of the string section, rising up to a promising triumphant brass fanfare that only disappears as quickly as it arrives, back into the depths of the strings. The vivacity abates for the second section, the fantasy. The strident theme from the opening gradually transforms into a more lyrical guise. The middle section was composed the day Estacio learned composer Malcolm Forsyth had passed away.  Malcolm was a good friend to John and a constant supporter of his work. The elegiac nature of the second part of the piece conveys the sense of loss and serves as a stirring tribute to a departed friend. The finale begins with a recap of material from the first section.  The fiery chromatic passage for the strings returns, leading up to a brass fanfare. This time, instead of dissipating, the brass continues with their fanfare, an affirming statement of the work’s primary theme.  Brio is dedicated to the memory of Malcolm Forsyth.

Commissioned by the National Arts Centre Orchestra

Premiered by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, conducted by Julian Kuerti, November 9,10, 2011, Southam Hall, National Arts Centre

For more information on score and parts rental for Brio, contact John Estacio