Peach
Reduced version for large ensemble
2019, revised 2020
Duration
9 min
Instrumentation
1111 2110 11 0, strings
(original version 2222 2210 11 0, strings)
Commissioned by
Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Premiered by
Secession Orchestra
Conducted by Clément Mao-Takacs
Production by La Chambre aux échos
31.8.2022
Alminsali
Helsinki, Finland
Notes
Peach paints a portrait of a moment or moments that evoke a feeling of a light and airy dream. In my mind it is a warm summer day, a bright flicker that makes things feel unreal and fills the body with pleasure, itching and tingling sensations.
The various meanings of the word ’peach’ have inspired the shape, colors, textures and associations of the work. Soft and round shapes as well as rich and luscious harmonies and melodies color a story that radiates gentleness, weightlessness, sensuality and juiciness. An intimate and tender moment takes shape, a place where things are given time to mature.
In the composition, I wanted to capture that place and a particular feeling that breathes deep in the summer air and its light breezes, awakes the senses and bursts sweetness like a fruit.
“The tone painting is skilfully unique, intoxicated by the heat.”
– HELSINGIN SANOMAT
Listen
Peach (2019), original version for orchestra performed by Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste
5.4.2023 Music Centre, Helsinki, Finland
Reviews
"Orchestral fireworks"
HBL, 3.8.2019
"Peach evoked sensations related to touch and warmth. Its motifs and sounds tickled, rattled, groaned, puffed and pounded various biorhythms."
HELSINGIN SANOMAT, 18.12.2021
“The work is a testament to Hilli’s great talent, it is taut and vital music.”
HELSINGIN SANOMAT, 6.4.2023
“The tone painting is skilfully unique, intoxicated by the heat.”
HELSINGIN SANOMAT, 18.12.2021
"The strings form a calm mat with small ripples on the surface, while the small, powerful color clicks stand out: some wild accents in the brass section, woodwinds ticking like small woodpeckers. The percussion colors are utilized clearly, so that every individual instrument gets its color heard, from timpani to tubular bells.
HBL, 3.8.2019
Sheet Music
Schott Music
Schott Music GmbH & Co. KG
Weihergarten 5
55116 Mainz
info@schott-music.com
+49 6131 246-0
Past performances
5.4.2023
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Music Centre
Helsinki, Finland
21.1.2013 (Reduced version)
Asko|Schönberg
Conducted by Bas Wiegers
Concertgebouw, Grote Zaal
Amsterdam, Netherlands
3.9.2022 (Reduced version)
Secession Orchestra
Conducted by Clément Mao-Takacs
Production by La Chambre aux échos
Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Helsinki, Finland
2.9.2022 (Reduced version)
Secession Orchestra
Conducted by Clément Mao-Takacs
Production by La Chambre aux échos
Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Helsinki, Finland
31.8.2022 (Reduced version)
Secession Orchestra
Conducted by Clément Mao-Takacs
Production by La Chambre aux échos
Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Helsinki, Finland
17.12.2021
Tapiola Sinfonietta
Conducted by Olari Elts
Tapiola Hall
Espoo, Finland
1.4.2021 Cancelled due to covid-19
Tapiola Sinfonietta
Conducted by Ryan Bancroft
Tapiola Hall
Espoo, Finland
2.8.2019
The Finnish Chamber Orchestra
Conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Tammisaari Church
Tammisaari, Finland