Pacific 231, H. 53/ IAH 23 [Alf:36-A933201]

Pacific 231 is an orchestral piece by Arthur Honegger (1892-1955) intended to evoke the feelings of the composer when he witnessed a train in motion. The title of the piece refers to a specific type of locomotive with a 2-3-1 axle arrangement. Its five sections evoke a train trip in progress, beginning with the train standing still, then starting, accelerating, reaching maximum speed, and decelerating and stopping. Pacific 231 premiered on May 8, 1924 in Paris. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2+EH.2+BCl.2+CBsn: 4.3.3.1: Perc(3-4): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). This reprint edition also includes the original B-flat bass clarinet in bass clef and transcribed to treble clef. (7:00)