Fiddle Pickin' Spring (2025)
for Orchestra
Commissioned by Kevin and April Ann Sütterlin as a gift to the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of FVSO stage manager and bassist Scott Breyer's 40th season!
Premiered on January 24, 2026 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
by the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra; Kevin Sütterlin, Music Director
Duration: ca. 5 minutes
Program Notes
Commissioned by Kevin Sütterlin as a gift to the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Fiddle Pickin’ Spring draws on bluegrass traditions to offer a lively portrait of Appalachia in full bloom. The work was written as a companion to Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, and it showcases the members of the orchestra through virtuosic solo lines, clog dancing-inspired spoon and washboard rhythms, and spirited Fiddle playing. Brimming with rhythmic vitality, Fiddle Pickin’ Spring invites listeners to imagine themselves at an energetic Appalachian hoedown.
Instrumentation
2(2dbl. picc.)233 / 2220 / timp.2perc / piano / str
Perc. 1: Snare Drum, Spoons
Perc. 2: Large Gong, Washboard, 2 Wood Blocks, Concert Bass Drum