Lee Actor

Symphony No. 1

Instrumentation2,2,2,2 - 4,2,3,1 - timp, 2 perc (bass drum, snare drum, crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, tam-tam), harp, str
Length33 minutes
Difficultymoderate; well within the capabilities of a good community orchestra
CommentsA serious work of symphonic scope, in three movements. Stylistically dramatic, atmospheric, and lyrical, the musical language is characterized by driving rhythms, contrapuntal textures, and somewhat chromatic, freely tonal harmonies (think Bartok meets Bernard Herrmann, with a tendency toward Prokofiev in the finale).
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#Sym1_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered April 26, 2003 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the composer conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Redwood Fanfare

Instrumentation2,2,2,2 - 4,3,3,1 - timp + 2 perc, strings
Length3 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsA flashy little piece, perfect for opening a concert and waking up the audience. Note: 3 secure trumpets is a plus, and 1st trumpet has several high B's.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#RF_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Redwood Symphony. Premiered November 2002 by the Redwood Symphony, Eric Kujawsky conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Variations and Fugue for Orchestra

Instrumentation2,2,2,2 - 4,2,2,1 - timp, strings
Length9 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsNeoclassical but with a modern, dramatic flavor. Some good, meaty brass parts, especially in the fugue.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#VF_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered April 2002 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the composer conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Prelude to a Tragedy

Instrumentation2+1,2+1,2+1,2 - 4,2,3,1 - timp, 2 perc, harp, str
Length12 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsDramatic, atmospheric, neoromantic, builds to an intense and lyrical climax. Short solos for clarinet, english horn, and harp. Tuneful and lots of rhythmic variety.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#PT_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered April 2004 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the composer conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra

Instrumentation2+1.2.2.2 - 4.2.3.1 - 2 perc - strings - solo timpani
Length11 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsPlayful and jazzy. Challenging solo part, but playable by conservatory level student. Also available in version for solo timpani and piano accompaniment.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#TC_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered February 2006 by soloist Stuart Chafetz and the Palo Alto Philharmonic, Ann Krinitsky conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra

Instrumentation2.2.2.2 - 2.2.0.0 - timp + 1 perc - strings - solo violin
Length31 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsNeo-romantic and highly dramatic concerto. Professional level solo part; orchestra accompaniment is challenging but doable by decent amateurs. Also available in version for solo violin and piano accompaniment.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#VC_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the MIssion Chamber Orchestra. Premiered April 2006 by soloist Pip Clarke and the Mission Chamber Orchestra, Emily Ray conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Symphony No. 2

Instrumentation2+1.2+1.2+1(bcl).2+1 - 4.3.3.1 - timp + 3 perc - strings
Length24 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsEncompasses a range of emotional expression from highest seriousness to the farcical. Meaty parts for the brass, several solos for piccolo and English horn.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website:http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#Sym2_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered February 2007 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the composer conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Concerto for Horn and Orchestra

Instrumentation2.2.2.2 - timp - strings - solo horn
Length14 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsA modest work that still includes several exciting climaxes. Solo part is playable by a decent student; orchestral accompaniment is mostly simple and straightforward and should come together with minimal rehearsal. Also available in version for solo horn and piano accompaniment.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#HC_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Silicon Valley Symphony. Premiered May 2007 by soloist Christophe Gillet and the Silicon Valley Symphony, Michael Paul Gibson conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Celebration Overture

Instrumentation2+1.2.2.2+1 - 4.2.3.1 - timp + 3 perc - strings
Length11 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsFun, upbeat piece, great concert opener, emphasis on winds and brass. Written in honor of the Palo Alto Philharmonic's 20th anniversary season. Note: same instrumentation as Beethoven's 9th, plus tuba.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#CO_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered October 2007 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, Thomas Shoebotham conducting.
Contributorthe composer
Other

Meditation for Violin and Orchestra

Instrumentation2.2.2.2 - 2.0.0.0 - timp - strings - solo violin
Length8 minutes
Difficultyeasy to moderate
Comments2nd movement of the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. Romantic and very lyrical. Also available in version for solo violin and piano accompaniment.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#Med_order
Extras
HistoryViolin Concerto commissioned by the Mission Chamber Orchestra. Premiered April 2006 by soloist Pip Clarke and the Mission Chamber Orchestra, Emily Ray conducting.
Contributorthe composer
Other

Circus Symphonicus

Instrumentation2+1.2+1.2+1(bcl).2+1 - 4.3.3.1 - timp + 3 perc - strings
Length6 minutes
Difficultymoderate to difficult
CommentsFinale of Symphony No. 2. A fast, light-hearted romp with plenty of sophisticated humor and surprises. A perfect concert opener.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#CS_order
Extras
HistorySymphony No. 2 commissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered February 2007 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the composer conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Opening Remarks

Instrumentation2.2.2.2 - 2.2.0.0 - timp - strings
Length6 minutes
Difficultymoderate to easy
CommentsA brisk, upbeat, 6-minute work for orchestra designed as a concert opener. Should come together quickly in rehearsal.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#OR_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Saratoga Symphony. Premiere May 2009 by the Saratoga Symphony, Jason Klein conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra

Instrumentation2.2.2.2 - 2.2.0.0 - timp+1 - str - solo alto saxophone
Length22 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsNeo-romantic, dramatic, lyrical concerto; little to no jazz element. Solo part is quite difficult, very expressive, full range, some altissimo register. Orchestral accompaniment is manageable by an amateur group.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#SC_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Mission Chamber Orchestra. Premiered February 2010 by soloist Ashu and the Mission Chamber =Orchestra, Emily Ray conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Dance Rhapsody

Instrumentation2+1.2.2+1(bcl).2 - 4.2.3.1 - timp+2 - str
Length16 minutes
Difficultymoderate plus
CommentsA colorful and exciting work, inspired by the dance rhythms of waltz, tango, and fandango. Numerous meter changes may be challenging for less experienced groups.
Sourceshttp://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#DR_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Palo Alto Philharmonic. Premiered April 2010 by the Palo Alto Philharmonic, the composer conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

Divertimento for Small Orchestra

Instrumentation2.1.2.2 - 2.1.0.0 - timp - str
Length10 minutes
Difficultymoderate
CommentsA generally bright and bubbly work, but also includes an intensely dramatic slower section.
SourcesScore and parts available on composer's website: http://www.leeactor.com/order.htm#DSO_order
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Skaneateles Festival. Premiered August 2011 by the Skaneateles Festival Chamber Orchestra, Robert Moody conducting.
ContributorLee Actor, composer (ASCAP)
Other

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