Teo Aparicio-Barberán

Symphony No. 1: Asgard

This symphony is the most important work of Spanish composer Teo Aparicio-Barberán. The 2002 International Contest for Bands 'Ciudad de Valencia', one of the most prestigious competitions in Europe, marked its first public performance. Throughout the work, which consists of three movements, the composer uses a modern musical vocabulary and combines strong melodic instrumentation with impressive rhythmic passages. Asgard is based on a Scandinavian romantic narrative in the light of the ancient Germanic Sagas.... where the flowery landscape remains in that sweet-scented season where spring is always on the brink of summer. Its fields resemble smooth green lawns (maintained by the grazing red cattle and woolly sheep) and its forests are home to deer and songbirds. The area is protected by an unsurmountable stone wall, and is impossible to enter except by the grace of Odin. It is here, at High Nest in Val-hall, that Odin sits on his throne and surveys all those in his dominion.