Concerto No.2 for Flute and Orchestra Op.142 (2023) c.23’00'“

2d1.2.2.2d1/4.3.3.1/Timp/Perc(3)/Hp./Pno.d.Cel./flute solo/strings

I. Largo - moderato
II. Largo
III. Animato

Commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

First performance on March 21st, 2024 by Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, flute, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Susanna Mälkki at Symphony Center, Chicago, Illinois

Dedicated to Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson

Published by Theodore Presser Company

REVIEWS

“The big reveal for these concerts was the first performance of Lowell Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No. 2 Op.142…Even before the first note sounded, this seemed to be a match made in heaven…What I loved most about Liebermann’s new concerto is that it has a marvelous sense of propulsion to it. Whether the tempo is fast or slow, the music unfolds like a ribbon caught in a breeze. There is clear shape and purpose and swirling beauty…When flutist and composer took bows together during the thunderous curtain calls and extended standing ovation, you saw the satisfaction of the audience mirrored on the faces of the two men. It was a world premiere to remember.”

—— hpherald.com

“Chicago Symphony Orchestra Soars With a New Work…” “The concert then moved on to the highlight of the evening: the world premiere of American composer Lowell Liebermann’s “Flute Concerto No. 2,” a CSO commission that featured a bravura performance by Stefan Ragnar Hoskuldsson, the orchestra’s principal flutist. (Liebermann should be familiar to those who saw the Joffrey Ballet’s stunning production of “Frankenstein” last year, for which he wrote the score.)…And now to Liebermann’s work for the flute that soared on the brilliant playing of Hoskuldsson…There was a grandeur and romanticism to the piece as it developed, with the fast and fluid sould of Hoskuldsson’s flute generating a lush orchestral response.”

—— wttw.com

“Mälkki returns and an engaging flute concerto achieves liftoff with CSO” “The main order of business was the world premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No.2 which was commissioned by the CSO for principal flutist Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson…Based on Thursday night’s premiere of Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No.2, the American composer has come up with another winner. THe engaging, richly-tuneful and soloist-friendly work is a virtual certainty to become a popular addition to the scant flute concerto repertory…Liebermann’s Flute Concerto No.2 will likely have a long and happy existence in the concert hall. Few CSO premieres receive the kind of tumultuous cheers and extended ovations as did Liebermann’s concerto Thursday night, with Höskuldsson, Mälkki and the composer repeatedly recalled to thestage.”

—— Chicago Classical Review

“At CSO, a rare world premiere shines…” “Liebermann’s first flute concerto was a professional turning point for this dean-to-be of American neoromanticism, and it remains one of his most frequently recorded works…Liebermann’s second is a fine follow-up to that modern classic…Liebermann’s blueprint certainly ticks all the concerto checkboxes - soloistic liberty in the first, sweeping pensiveness in the second, and quicksilver virtuosity in the third. Hoskuldsson met each benchmark with not just ease but palpable satisfaction - a snug fit between commission and dedicatee.”

—— Chicago Tribune