Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
*apologies for only being available in 360p, there was technical difficulties with processing the video/uploading to YouTube. I don't think it affected the audio quality much so it should still sound good.
Swiss-American composer and conductor Bernard Hoffer is best known for his iconic scores to animated shows such as "ThunderCats" and "SilverHawks". He's also well known for writing "The MacNeil-Lehrer Report", which was the opening theme to (what is now called) PBS NewsHour from 1975 to 2015.
This is his orchestral variations on that iconic "MacNeil-Lehrer Report" theme that was heard on the TV worldwide for so many years. Before the show became the "MacNeil-Lehrer Report" in 1976, it was the "Robert MacNeil Report" the year previous in 1975. Bernard originally wrote the main theme/melody for that, but it was a more rock-band influenced work. The famous orchestral version you hear in these variations was the new replacement theme in 1983.
Commissioned in 1990 by Bruce Ferden and the Spokane Symphony, they suggested a longer, large orchestral work based on the theme, which became the "MacNeil/Lehrer Variations". Bernard Hoffer himself wrote about this work:
"The conductor Bruce Ferden was very enthusiastic about an extended piece based on the News Hour theme. I jumped at it because I enjoy working with materials that are familiar both to me and to my audience. After all, how many ‘serious’ composers can work on new music that is already familiar to listeners throughout the United States and Canada — which led me to the structure of the MacNeil/Lehrer Variations."
COMPOSER: Bernard Hoffer
CONDUCTOR: Richard Pittman
ORCHESTRA: RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
TRACKLIST:
0:00 - Variation I: Introduction
2:19 - Theme: Part I
2:35 - Theme: Part II
3:01 - Variation II
5:35 - Variation III
6:28 - Variation IV: Echoes
7:43 - Variation V: The Twelve Wind Variation
9:08 - Variation VI: The Percussion Variation
10:54 - Theme: Part III
12:09 - Variation VII
14:25 - Variation VIII: The Hamilton Variation
17:56 - Variation IX
20:01 - Variation X
22:36 - Variation XI: Finale
Please be aware that all of the music (and images) featured in this video belong to their respective owners, and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. I upload these solely for archiving purposes, and for the sharing and enjoyment of great music. Monetization is not enabled. If you are the rightful owner of copyrighted material used and would like the video removed from YouTube, please, instead of reporting/striking my channel, leave a comment below with your statement and I will take the video down effective immediately.
*apologies for only being available in 360p, there was technical difficulties with processing the video/uploading to YouTube. I don't think it affected the audio quality much so it should still sound good.
Swiss-American composer and conductor Bernard Hoffer is best known for his iconic scores to animated shows such as "ThunderCats" and "SilverHawks". He's also well known for writing "The MacNeil-Lehrer Report", which was the opening theme to (what is now called) PBS NewsHour from 1975 to 2015.
This is his orchestral variations on that iconic "MacNeil-Lehrer Report" theme that was heard on the TV worldwide for so many years. Before the show became the "MacNeil-Lehrer Report" in 1976, it was the "Robert MacNeil Report" the year previous in 1975. Bernard originally wrote the main theme/melody for that, but it was a more rock-band influenced work. The famous orchestral version you hear in these variations was the new replacement theme in 1983.
Commissioned in 1990 by Bruce Ferden and the Spokane Symphony, they suggested a longer, large orchestral work based on the theme, which became the "MacNeil/Lehrer Variations". Bernard Hoffer himself wrote about this work:
"The conductor Bruce Ferden was very enthusiastic about an extended piece based on the News Hour theme. I jumped at it because I enjoy working with materials that are familiar both to me and to my audience. After all, how many ‘serious’ composers can work on new music that is already familiar to listeners throughout the United States and Canada — which led me to the structure of the MacNeil/Lehrer Variations."
COMPOSER: Bernard Hoffer
CONDUCTOR: Richard Pittman
ORCHESTRA: RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra
TRACKLIST:
0:00 - Variation I: Introduction
2:19 - Theme: Part I
2:35 - Theme: Part II
3:01 - Variation II
5:35 - Variation III
6:28 - Variation IV: Echoes
7:43 - Variation V: The Twelve Wind Variation
9:08 - Variation VI: The Percussion Variation
10:54 - Theme: Part III
12:09 - Variation VII
14:25 - Variation VIII: The Hamilton Variation
17:56 - Variation IX
20:01 - Variation X
22:36 - Variation XI: Finale
Please be aware that all of the music (and images) featured in this video belong to their respective owners, and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. I upload these solely for archiving purposes, and for the sharing and enjoyment of great music. Monetization is not enabled. If you are the rightful owner of copyrighted material used and would like the video removed from YouTube, please, instead of reporting/striking my channel, leave a comment below with your statement and I will take the video down effective immediately.
![Randall Woolf — Shakedown (1990) [w/ score]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lptGev_iKj0/mqdefault.jpg "Randall Woolf — Shakedown (1990) [w/ score]
Randall Woolf studied composition privately with David Del Tredici and Joseph Maneri, and at Harvard. Recent commissions include works for the Seattle Symphony, Paul Dresher Ensemble, Dogs of Desire orchestra, and a new ballet of Where the Wild Things Are, in collaboration with Maurice Sendak and Septime Webre. His works have also been performed by Kathleen Supové, Bang on a Can/SPIT Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, David Leisner, Twisted Tutu, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, and others.
This is Woolf’s very exciting and driving “Shakedown” for chamber orchestra. Robert Carl wrote in the notes of this CD, “Rock Steady” where this recording originates:
“A brilliant sense of orchestration. This applies above all to Randy’s writing for mixed ensembles, such as Shakedown (1990, written for Alea III). Here thirteen players create a sound whose fullness is truly orchestral. Colors are bright and contrasting, sharp and primary, like the best Pop Art. Attacks are edgy and intense, etching lines with the quick violence of a knife-slice. And the music can shrink and balloon in an instant, moving from full-throated tuttis to delicate two-part melody/accompaniment textures.”
COMPOSER: Randall Woolf
CONDUCTOR: Bradley Lubman
ENSEMBLE: New Millennium Ensemble + Meridian Arts Ensemble
Please be aware that all of the music (and images) featured in this video belong to their respective owners, and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. I upload these solely for archiving purposes, and for the sharing and enjoyment of great music. Monetization is not enabled. If you are the rightful owner of copyrighted material used and would like the video removed from YouTube, please, instead of reporting/striking my channel, leave a comment below with your statement and I will take the video down effective immediately.
#scorefollower #contemporaryclassical #classicalmusic")
![Randall Woolf — Adrenaline Revival (1996) [w/ score]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nJQ9HRBUxoE/mqdefault.jpg "Randall Woolf — Adrenaline Revival (1996) [w/ score]
This is Randall Woolfs piece for piano and Digitech TSR 24S processor, performed by his wife, pianist Kathleen Supové. Kathleen Supové has premiered the works of dozens of composers on her Exploding Piano concert series, which involves recitation, costume, theatrical elements such as lighting, and sets.
COMPOSER: Randall Woolf
PIANO: Kathleen Supové
TRACKLIST:
0:00 - Introduction
0:12 - I.
2:15 - II.
5:22 - III.
6:39 - IV.
8:52 - V.
9:46 - VI.
11:34 - VII.
12:40 - VIII.
16:25 - IX.
Please be aware that all of the music (and images) featured in this video belong to their respective owners, and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. I upload these solely for archiving purposes, and for the sharing and enjoyment of great music. Monetization is not enabled. If you are the rightful owner of copyrighted material used and would like the video removed from YouTube, please, instead of reporting/striking my channel, leave a comment below with your statement and I will take the video down effective immediately.
#scorefollower #contemporaryclassical #classicalmusic")
