Concerto for Harp and Orchestra (2007)

It was a delight to encounter — an enjoyable piece of music and not merely a display piece.

The composer said in an interview that Van Hoesen and the harpist of the Vienna Philharmonic asked for more virtuoso material after he showed them the score. Both the request and the way Previn fulfilled it do him honor.

The brevity of the opening orchestral statement lets the solo take the auditory spotlight right away. But Previn's wisdom as a composer led him to write a piece in which the harp often functions in almost chamber music style with other orchestral instruments, while at other times it has far more elaborate music to play.

The piece is full of personality, often of gentle, even pastoral nature. The extra cadenza Previn wrote comes in shortly after the start of the third movement. It is a substantial and winning addition that gives the harp space to advance musical ideas before the wit of the finale breaks in.