Red and Green für großes Orchester (2010)

www.examiner.com, Stephen Smoliar, 10. April 2011,

There is a “thermodynamic vitality” to Larcher’s music that one does not encounter in other composers. This large ensemble of independent voices serves Larcher’s goals not only in terms of sonority but also in terms of spatial disposition. One does not hear “themes;” but one does hear “concentrated energy centers” that migrate across the stage. Through the management of so many independent voices, those energy centers can migrate not only across sections of the orchestra but also within them.

The result is a highly unique listening experience with a perfectly valid aesthetic of beauty. Last night’s performance was grounded in the concentrated discipline through which these qualities could register effectively. Vänskä had clearly studied this score to a level from which he could coordinate all of the activities it specified, and the Symphony was attentively fixed on his every move as he led them through the two movements of this composition. My only regret was having but one opportunity to experience this stunning music; and, while it is clear that the resource demands for this work are intimidating, I can only hope that another opportunity will arise in the foreseeable future.

aus: Stephen Smoliar, www.examiner.com, 10.04.2011