At times, before a performance, conductors glance at me somewhat anxiously.
In the backdrop of a powerful orchestra, with an eminent theatre behind them, they look at the tiny harmonica in my hand with a bit of doubt. But as the music begins, the little instrument soon liberates the magic of its captivating sound. Considering the small size and acute pitch of the harmonica, one might not easily imagine this instrument as part of an orchestra concert. But the orchestra's texture supports and mellows the harmonica's sharpness and the result is surprisingly harmonious.
Great instrumentalists of the past, such as Tommy Reilly or Larry Adler have been of great inspiration to composers, enabling them to create a surprising and evocative repertoire for this instrument.
Below is a partial list of original pieces written for harmonica. They have been subdivided by ensemble type (symphonic and chamber orchestra repertoire).
Repertorio Sinfonico
Heitor Villa Lobos
Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra
Darius Milhaud
Suite Anglaise for Harmonica and Orchestra
Malcom Arnold
Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra
Arthur Benjamin
Concerto for Harmonica and Orchestra
Robert Farnon
Prelude and Dance for Harmonica and Orchestra.
Repertorio Sinfonico-Cameristico
Gordon Jacob
Five Pieces for Harmonica and Strings
Gordon Jacob
Divertimento for Harmonica and Strings
(Originale per Harmonica e Quartetto d’Archi)
Luciano Chailly
Improvvisazione nr. 9 per Harmonica Orchestra d'Archi Percussione
R. Vaughan Williams
Romance for Harmonica Strings and Piano
Ennio Morricone
Immobile nr. 2 per Harmonica ed Archi
(World Premiere G.Littera Tokyo Maggio 2001)
Vilem Tausky
Concertino for Harmonica Strings Harp and percussion
Alan Hovhaness
Seven Greek Folk Dances for Harmonica and Strings
A.Piazzolla
Las 4 Estagiones para Harmonica y Orquesta de Cuerdas
(Arrangiamento G.Littera)
G.Faurè
Pavana per Harmonica e Archi
(Trascrizione e arrangiamento G.Littera)
Ravel
Pavana
(Trascrizione e arrangiamento G.Littera)
James Moody
Toledo per Harm. e Archi
(Riduz. dall'originale per Harmonica e Orchestra).
