SKU: CF.MXE5
ISBN 9780825853401. UPC: 798408053406. 9 X 12 inches.
Commissioned in 1998, this chamber piece is truly unique experience! A short piece (18 minutes), the work is derived from the composer’s fascination with a theory from quantum physics stating that time is fluid and that matter can exist concurrently in one place. To encompass this idea, the composer asks that a passage of music that he wrote when he was 15 be pre-recorded and played during the second movement (Desolato). The music of the adult David Carlson is coupled with music written thirty years ago, creating a sonic continuum. The highly charged, rhythmically aggressive music of the first movement is contrasted by the nostalgic slow mood of the second movement. The final movement is both energetic and passionate, which brings this imaginative work to a positive conclusion.
SKU: HL.49018968
ISBN 9790001171007. 9.0x12.0x0.095 inches.
Ballroom dances like waltz, foxtrot, blues, tango, rumba, cha-cha-cha, paso doble and jive or samba are known to many people to a large extent or even familiar to them from dancing class. 'Let's dance' is an interesting addition to the recorder repertoire, containing well-known and exemplary titles of standard and Latin American dances and providing an excellent opportunity to play the dances known from listening or from doing the dance steps on the recorder. The three parts have different levels of difficulty - as a result, both beginners and advanced players alike can use this collection. The arrangements in this book gradually increase in difficulty. Enjoy and have fun with the dances!
SKU: CA.3119815
ISBN 9790007210632. Text language: German/English.
Composed in 1727 for a eulogy and funeral oration for Electress Christiane Eberhardine in the Leipzig University church, the music for the funeral ode is well-known today above all through reconstructions of Bach's St Mark Passion, in which large parts of this cantata were probably re-used, but of which only the text survives. With the funeral ode we have one of Bach's strongest and most fascinating vocal compositions. Although Gottsched's text is associated with a particular occasion, it is distinguished in its literary quality from many secular cantatas and it is entirely appropriate to perform this impressive cantata in concerts. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3119800.
SKU: PR.144406560
UPC: 680160634644. 9 x 12 inches.
Martin considers the heritage and lifestyle of the Vikings, considered a threat by many, but a fascinating culture of epic proportions. Imagining the voice of Viking music, Martin has created a series of ten short (4-5' each) trios, each describing a scene from Viking life. These trios serve well as study pieces in horn ensemble performance, and can together provide an evening's entertainment. For intermediate to advanced performers.
SKU: CA.210405
ISBN 9790007187668.
The choral collection Gospels and Spirituals transports us into the fascinating world of African American folk songs. Around 30 gospels and spirituals have been arranged for mixed choir, unaccompanied or with piano. The choral parts sometimes divide, and occasionally solo parts (or even a small choral group) are required. As well as American classics (e.g. Amazing grace, Go down Moses, Kumbaya, Deep river, Down by the riverside, Good News, O when the saints, Nobody knows, Joshua fit the battle of Jericho), the collection also contains some discoveries from the beginnings of the genre. Just under half the arrangements were specially commissioned for the collection. Young composers from the USA (such as Courtney Carey, Marques Garrett) and arrangers from Canada, Denmark, and Germany (including Mark Sirett, John Hoybye, Thomas Gabriel, Carsten Gerlitz, Gunther Martin Gottsche, and Hans Ludemann) have contributed to this stylistically extremely varied choral collection. The medium difficulty level will enable many choirs to get to grips with the gospel style, something which perhaps few of them are very familiar with. Tips from the editors on performance, and a CD recording with a selection of the arrangements will help with learning the pieces. With their deep and emotional symbolism of captivity and repression on the one hand and redemption and freedom on the other hand, these Gospel settings are well-suited for many uses in concerts and church services. The arrangements with their catchy rhythms, groove, their blue notes and other elements from Jazz and Blues and the principles of call-and-response will move performers and audiences in equal measure. * arrangements of around 30 spirituals and gospels for four-part mixed choir * a cappella or with keyboard accompaniment * medium difficulty level * a good introduction for choirs with little previous experience of this repertoire * includes popular classics such as Amazing grace, Deep river, Go down Moses, Good News, Nobody knows, Joshua fit the battle of Jericho * wide variety of styles with many new arrangements * CD recordings helps with learning and rehearsing the pieces. Score available separately - see item CA.210400.
SKU: BT.DHP-1043522-070
International.
These three pieces were originally written for piano but have echoes of Mussorgsky?s most famous work ? Pictures at an Exhibition. The intention is to use each instrument in a virtuosic and solo-like manner. One can hear moments of Pictures in the pieces; The Hut of Babba Yaga comes to mind during In the Crimea and The Village contains a Promenade section not unlike that of Pictures. Still later, the muted horn and trumpet ?clucking? remind the listener of the Ballet of the Chickens.Eine gelungene Bearbeitung der drei Klavierstücke des russischen Komponisten Mussorgsky. Peter Knudsvig lässt in seinem Arrangement für Blechbläserquintett jedes Instrument virtuos und solistisch herausragen. Die erste Stimme kann auch von Trompete in Es oder Pikkolotrompete in B gespielt werden. Le Quintette de Cuivres Rekkenze Brass a été fondé par des membres de l’Orchestre Symphonique d’Hof en Allemagne, et reconnu internationalement comme un des meilleurs ensembles du genre. La devise de l’ensemble se résume par “BRASSzination® : la fascination par les cuivresâ€. C’est avec grand plaisir que nous vous présentons la Collection Rekkenze Brass qui couvre un large éventail de styles. Chaque Å“uvre publiée dans cette collection est accompagnée d’un compact disc sur lequel sont enregistrées les versions intégrales de la plupart des Å“uvres disponibles dans une interprétation unique du Rekkenze Brass. Instrumentation : 2 TrompettesSib, Cor en Fa/Mib,Trombone en Ut BC, Tuba Strumentazione: 2 Trombe Sib, Corno Fa/Mib, Trombone, Tuba in Do o Basso Sib.
SKU: BA.BA08772
ISBN 9790006502349. 30 x 23 cm inches. Language: German/English. Preface: Knecht, Edgar.
Edgar Knecht is a jazz pianist who has created his own unique style. His dbut CD, “Good Morning Lilofee†(with four-piece combo), conquered the clubs and earned him invitations to international festivals. His treatment of the original melodies is refreshingly different from standard jazz arrangements: It is characterized by a free perception of the tunes, varied rhythms as well as unconventional harmonies. The same recipe for success underlies his second CD, “Dance On Deep Watersâ€, with which the Edgar Knecht Quartet is again going on tour, with many gigs lined up for spring and summer.All eight of the songs in our edition offer agreeable and stimulating literature outside the classical and jazz pigeonholes for pianists everywhere, whether or not they dig German folksongs. Familiar tunes such as “Es freit der wilde Wassermann†or “Die Gedanken sind frei†gain a wholly new quality and pizzazz in his arrangements. Though based on the original songs, the pieces go far beyond them in form, harmony and rhythm, thereby turning the originals into top-quality jazz ballads. All the pieces have suggestions for improvised passages, usually with chords and written-out ostinato bass lines.All the pieces are recorded on the like-named CD with Edgar Knecht at the piano, accompanied by his trio of bass, drums and percussion.The AuthorEdgar Knecht lives in Kassel (Germany), where he heads a piano school and tours with his combo. Since the age of 14 he has held concerts with his own piano pieces and written many theatre, film and TV scores. With his Edgar Knecht Trio he transforms German folksongs into fascinating jazz ballads with which he fills his programmes and venues.Playlist:www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh-AUh-Pv3D4lXqmq2cdu-ubVBDIfvxQJ
SKU: BT.DHP-1074230-020
9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.
The powerful, dynamic number Gospel John, by the versatile Americancomposer, producer and music educator Jeff Steinberg, is known inparticular through performances by Maynard Ferguson. In his versionit seemed as if a typical Afro-American preacher ascended the pulpitand impassioned an enthusiastic congregation with his fiery plea.This exciting arrangement by Lorenzo Bocci has the same compellingtemperament and adds an energetic touch to any concert. Het stevige, dynamische nummer Gospel John van de veelzijdige Amerikaanse componist, producer en muziekdocent Jeff Steinberg is vooral bekend in de uitvoering van de in 2006 overleden Maynard Ferguson. In zijn versie lijkthet alsof een typisch Afro-Amerikaanse predikant de kansel bestijgt en een enthousiaste gemeente in vervoering brengt met zijn vurige betoog. Dit spetterende arrangement van Lorenzo Bocci heeft hetzelfde meeslepende temperament enzorgt voor een energieke noot in elk concert.Gospel John, die dynamische Nummer aus der Feder des amerikanischen Komponisten und Musiklehrers Jeff Steinberg, wurde besonders durch Maynard Ferguson bekannt. In dessen Interpretation sah man förmlich einen afroamerikanischen Prediger, der die Gemeinde begeisterte und mit sich riss. Diese spannende Bearbeitung von Lorenzo Bocci versprüht das gleiche Temperament und verleiht jedem Konzert einen Schub Energie. Gospel John est une de ces compositions dynamiques et puissantes qui ont fait la notoriété de Jeff Steinberg, compositeur, producteur et pédagogue américain aux multiples talents. Elle a fait le tour du monde gr ce l’interprétation légendaire du jazzman canadien Maynard Ferguson, qui nous a quittés en 2006. Sa version donnait littéralement vie un pasteur afro-américain qui, du haut de sa chaire, tenait un discours enflammé une assistance enthousiaste.Cet arrangement passionnant, signé Lorenzo Bocci, restitue le caractère fascinant de l’original et apporte une touche de fraîcheur et de pétillant tout programme de concert.
SKU: BT.DHP-1196090-070
ISBN 9789043157674. English-German-French-Dutch.
Cinema has always aimed to do one thing above all else: arouse emotions. Yet however exciting, entertaining or fascinating a story might be, its full impact is really only felt with the help of the right music. While most original soundtracks demand a large orchestra, a much smaller ensemble is sufficient: Anthony Gröger has taken ten of the all-time most beautiful film scores and created stunning arrangements for string quartet. In keeping with the Pops for String Quartet series, this volume also includes an optional third violin part in case a viola is not available. This is an indispensable collection for any occasion!Van oudsher is de film bovenal bedoeld geweest om emotie op te roepen. Maar hoe spannend, vermakelijk of boeiend een verhaal ook is, pas met de ondersteuning van de juiste muziek komt het volledig tot zijn recht. Hoewel de meeste originele soundtracks een orkest met een grote bezetting vereisen, voldoet in dit geval een kleiner ensemble. Anthony Gröger heeft tien van de mooiste filmmuziektitels verzameld en er prachtige arrangementen voor strijkkwartet van gemaakt. Net als bij de andere uitgaven in de serie Pops for String Quartet bevat ook deze bundel een optionele derde vioolpartij, voor het geval er geen altviool beschikbaar is. Een fraaie collectie met nummers voordiverse gelegenheden! Seit jeher möchte Kino vor allem eines: Emotionen wecken. Doch wie spannend, lustig, interessant eine Story auch immer sein mag erst mit Hilfe der passenden Filmmusik kann sie ihre volle Wirkung entfalten. Während die meisten Soundtracks im Original ein groß besetztes Orchester erfordern, genügt hier bereits eine viel kleinere Besetzung: Anthony Gröger hat sich zehn der schönsten Filmmusik-Titel aller Zeiten vorgenommen und wirkungsvoll für Streichquartett bearbeitet. Eine unverzichtbare Sammlung für Anlässe jeder Art, bei denen ein Streichquartett gefragt ist. Wie in der Serie Pops for String Quartet üblich, enthält das Set auch eine optionale dritteViolinstimme für den Fall, dass keine Bratsche zur Verfügung steht. Le cinéma a toujours cherché, par-dessus tout, éveiller des émotions. Cependant, aussi passionnante, émouvante ou envo tante que soit une histoire, son impact n’est ressenti pleinement que si elle est accompagnée d’une musique appropriée. Bien que la plupart des bandes sonores exigent un grand orchestre, un ensemble beaucoup plus modeste suffit. Anthony Gröger a pris dix des plus belles musiques de films de tous les temps et produit de splendides arrangements pour quatuor cordes. Comme les autres volumes de la série Pops for String Quartet, le présent ouvrage comprend une troisième partie facultative pour violon au cas où un alto ne serait pas disponible. Voiciune collection indispensable pour toutes les occasions !
SKU: XC.VJE2305
You can't go wrong with George Gershwin! This new take on the standard tune is filled with dynamic contrasts and engaging harmony. Wonderful interweaving lines work together to showcase this iconic melody.
SKU: HL.49043980
ISBN 9783795748081. German - English.
Apart from old and new classics by Johann Sebastian Bach to Enjott Schneider, this comprehensive collection of songs of blessing contains mainly compositions and arrangements of new composers which are worth to discover! A fascinating and new repertoire which is suitable for church services and concerts alike.
SKU: BT.DHP-1094768-140
The hymn Nun ruhen alle Wälder (Now All Forests Rest), arranged by J.S. Bach (No. 6, So sei nun, Seele, deine, from Cantata BWV 13), is a guiding light throughout this four-movement composition. Pütz wrote this work as a musical outcry against the wilful, profit-driven destruction of our environment. When Bach used the word “ruhen†(to rest) over 350 years ago, it probably had a different nuance from the meaning it has today. At the beginning of the 21st century - the so-called age of progress - “nun ruhen alle Wälder†should mean “now all forests die†. Massive industrialization and globalization, coupled with pure greed, corruption, political scandals, an ever-wideninggap between the rich and poor, and other such senseless human actions, are pushing our blue planet closer and closer to the point of no return. This work is not intended to be a ranting accusation. It should remind us of the beauty and harmony that can exist all around us in nature, if we take care of it. Pütz hopes that this will, one day, help put a greater emphasis on humanity’s survival, and coexistence with nature rather than the exploitation described earlier. All four texts were created by Australian poet Graeme King, whose works were discovered by Pütz, by chance on the internet. Pütz was especially captivated by King’s clarity, and intrigued by the possibilities of adapting and melding the strong rhythmical structure of King’s writing with his own musical language. The four movements are as follows: 1. Tears of Nature 2. Grrrevolution 3. Stand up! 4. Tomorrow The world première of Four Earth Songs took place on 7 July 2009 at the 14th WASBE-Conference in Cincinnati (USA). This work is dedicated in friendship to Jouke Hoekstra, conductor, and the Frysk Fanfare Orkest (the Frisian Fanfare-Orchestra). De hymne Nun ruhen alle Wälder, gearrangeerd door J.S. Bach (nr. 6, So sei nun, Seele, deine, uit cantate BWV 13), is de leidraad in deze vierdelige compositie. Pütz schreef het werk als een muzikaal protest tegen de moedwillige,op winstbejag gebaseerde vernietiging van ons milieu. Toen Bach het woord ‘ruhen’ (rusten) meer dan 350 jaar geleden gebruikte, lag er waarschijnlijk een andere nuance in dan tegenwoordig. Aan het begin van de 21e eeuw - dezogenaamde eeuw van de vooruitgang - zou ‘nun ruhen alle Wälder’ zelfs kunnen betekenen: ‘nu sterven alle bossen’. De grootschalige industrialisatie en globalisering, in combinatie met pure hebzucht, corruptie, politieke schandalen,een groeiende kloof tussen arm en rijk, en andere dwaze menselijke verrichtingen, brengen onze blauwe planeet steeds verder in de problemen, tot er misschien geen weg terug meer is. Dit werk is niet bedoeld als een beschuldigendetirade. Het moet ons wijzen op de schoonheid en harmonie die in de natuur om ons heen kan bestaan, als we er goed voor zorgen. Pütz hoopt dat er op een dag meer nadruk gelegd zal worden op het overleven van de mensheid invreedzame co-existentie met de natuur, zonder de eerdergenoemde uitbuiting. Alle vier de teksten zijn geschreven door de Australische dichter Graeme King, wiens werk Pütz bij toeval tegenkwam op het internet. Hij werd getroffendoor Kings helderheid en raakte ge ntrigeerd door de mogelijkheid de sterke ritmische structuur van Kings teksten om te zetten in zijn eigen muzikale taal. De vier delen zijn de volgende: 1. Tears of Nature 2. Grrrevolution 3.Stand up! 4. Tomorrow De wereldpremière van Four Earth Songs vond plaats op 7 juli 2009 tijdens de 14e WASBE Conference in Cincinnati (VS). Dit werk is in vriendschap opgedragen aan dirigent Jouke Hoekstra en zijn Fryskt FanfareDer Choral Nun ruhen alle Wälder, hier in einer Bearbeitung von J.S. Bach (Nr. 6 So sei nun, Seele, deine aus der Kantate BWV 13), zieht sich wie ein roter Faden durch diese viersätzige Komposition, die als musikalischer Aufschrei (Anfang!) gegen die mutwillige, profitgesteuerte Zerstörung unserer Umwelt gedacht ist. Sicher hatte das Wort ruhen“ vor über 350 Jahren, als der Liedtext entstand, eine andere Bedeutung als heute. Zu Beginn des 21. Jahrhunderts, im sogenannten Zeitalter des Fortschritts, müsste es leider wohl eher heißen: Nun sterben alle Wälder“... Massive Industrialisierung, Globalisierung, aber auch Profitgier, Korruption, politische Unfähigkeit,krasse Unterschiede zwischen arm und reich, und schlussendlich die Uneinsichtigkeit des einzelnen Menschen haben dazu geführt, dass der Blaue Planet“ heute kurz vor dem Kollaps steht. Dieses Werk soll jedoch nicht nur anklagen, es soll auch die verbliebenen Schönheiten unserer Natur aufzeigen, in der Hoffnung, dass es einmal gelingen wird, die Rettung der Natur und den Schutz der Umwelt über die oben genannten Interessen zu stellen. Alle vier Texte stammen aus der Feder des australischen Dichters Graeme King, dessen Werk der Komponist durch einen glücklichen Zufall im Internet entdeckte. Besonders inspirierend war die Direktheit von Graemes Aussagen, aber auch die kraftvolle Rhythmik seiner Verse mit den daraus resultierenden Möglichkeiten der musikalischen Umsetzung. Die vier Sätze sind wie folgt überschrieben: 1. Tears of Nature 2. Grrrevolution 3. Stand up! 4. Tomorrow Die offizielle Uraufführung von Four Earth Songs fand am 7. Juli 2009 statt, anlässlich der 14. WASBE-Konferenz in Cincinnati (USA). Das Werk ist dem Dirigenten Jouke Hoekstra und dem Frysk Fanfare Orkest (Friesischen Fanfareorchester) in aller Freundschaft gewidmet. Le cantique Nun ruhen alle Wälder, dont la ligne mélodique fut reprise par Jean-Sébastien Bach pour son choral So sein nun, Seele, deine (Choral n°6 - Cantate BWV 13), est le fil conducteur de cette oeuvre en quatre mouvements conçue comme un cri contre la destruction volontaire de la nature pour le profit. Plus de trois siècles nous séparent du temps de Bach. Si les mots sont restés les mêmes, leur sens primitif connaît cependant quelques nuances. Ainsi, au XXIe siècle - considéré comme le « siècle du progrès », il conviendrait de traduire Nun ruhen alle Wälder (“les forêts se reposent “) par “Les forêts se meurentâ€. La mondialisation et l’industrialisation massiveassociées l’avidité prédatrice, la corruption politique, aux actions humaines irrationnelles et au fossé grandissant entre riches et pauvres conduisent notre planète bleue se rapprocher chaque jour un peu plus du point de non retour. Cette composition n’est pas une accusation acerbe, mais plutôt une exhortation prendre soin de cette beauté si harmonieuse que nous offre la nature. Et peut-être, prendrons-nous enfin conscience de l’importance d’une situation de coexistence avec la nature, nécessaire pour la survie de l’espèce humaine, et non d’exploitation qui conduit la destruction. Un jour, alors qu’il naviguait sur Internet, Marco Pütz découvrit l’oeuvre du poète australien Graeme King. Fasciné par la clarté de l’écriture et le rythme des vers, Marco Pütz imagina les multiples possibilités d’adaptation et de mise en musique qu’offrent les poèmes de King. Il choisit quatre poèmes sur la nature pour créer son oeuvre Four Earth Songs (Quatre chants de la terre). 1. Tears of Nature (Les larmes de la Nature) 2. Grrrevolution 3. Stand up! (Levez-vous !) 4. Tomorrow (Demain) Four Earth Songs est dédié amicalement l’Orchestre de Fanfare de Frise (Frysk Fanfare Orkest) et son chef, Jouke Hoekstra. L’oeuvre a été donnée en création mondiale par l’orchestre dédicataire l’occasion de la 14ème Convention de la WASBE Cincinnati aux.
SKU: HL.268549
UPC: 888680736101. 5.0x5.0x0.15 inches. Genesis 1, Isaiah 40:28, Psalm 24:1, Romans 1:20.
Lofty musical aspirations are met and surpassed in this Psalm setting, which is the next installment in the composer's exploration of the Psalter. Modern melody meets classic text to celebrate the creative power of God in a sacred tone poem filled with fascinating sonic moments. Lush and expressive, the opening is a soundtrack of praise. Later the piece recounts the days of creation and the unfolding of the universe while counterpointing with the Latin phrase, Cantate Dominum. This is a stunning choral moment that builds intensity to a rhapsodic melody soaring to dizzying heights. This significant anthem ends quiescently with a final affirming Amen. Score and Parts (fl 1-2/picc, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, tba/btbn, mallet perc, aux perc, timp, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.
SKU: BT.DHP-0991616-015
The Four Seasons is een muzikale weergave van de seizoenen. Het ontluikende nieuwe leven staat centraal in Springtime. Het temperamentvolle Summer Joy heeft een Zuid-Amerikaans tintje en neemt de luisteraar meenaar witte stranden en een blauwe zee. Autumn Colors heeft iets melancholisch: al mijmerend blikt de componist terug op de vakantie. Winter Fascination weerspiegelt talloze dansende sneeuwvlokken, uitgelaten sneeuwpreten een ritje met de slee.Eine sehr anschauliche musikalische Darstellung von Frühling, Sommer, Herbst und Winter in einem fünfstimmig variablen Satz von Johan Nijs. Die vier Teile sind im Schwierigkeitsgrad zwei gehalten, also ideal für Anfängeroder Jugendorchester. Après un long sommeil hivernal, le printemps annonce la renaissance de la nature. Parfumée des essences de la flore, la saison du renouveau développe sa lente et douce progression vers l’épanouissement estival avant de sombrer dans la douce mélancolie automnale. Avec The Four Seasons, Johan Nijs nous livre un tableau bucolique de la nature au fil des saisons.
SKU: HL.14003425
ISBN 9780711922778. 12.0x9.0x0.125 inches.
Arrangements of 26 favourite nursery rhymes with full colour illustrations and fascinating information on the pieces' origins. Specially designed for young children to be able to play themselves rather than just be played to. Suitable for pre-Grade 1 to Grade 1 pianists. Contents: Baa, Baa, Black Sheep * Girls and Boys Come Out to Play * Hey Diddle Diddle * Hot Cross Buns * I Love Little Pussy * Jack and Jill * Little Bo-Peep * London Bridge * London's Burning * One, Two, Three, Four, Five * Pop Goes the Weasel * Rock-a-Bye, Baby * Sing a Song of Sixpence * This Old Man * Three Blind Mice * Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star * Yankee Doodle * Lavenders Blue * Little Jack Horner * Pat a Cake * Polly Put the Kettle On * Pussy-Cat, Pussy-Cat * Hickory, Dickory Dock * Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush * Ring-a-Ring o Roses * Humpty Dumpty.
SKU: HL.14030032
ISBN 9788759851265. 8.25x11.75x0.177 inches.
Composed in 1917, Tanz-Idylle is part five of a set of six pieces for Violin and Piano by Sibelius. A delightful pastoral dance that presents a fascinating melodic challenge to the accomplished Violin player. The piece includes a separate Violin part and Piano score.
SKU: HL.14036314
ISBN 9781844491728.
Commissioned by the Lyndsay Quartet in 2000 to celebrate the opening of an arts studio in Sheffield, with the premiere on 5th October 2001. Wood's 5th quartet pays respects to the Classical heritage of the form, returning to the use of discrete movements, two of which reveal the composer's love and fascination of the scherzo. Includes a foreword and description by the composer.
SKU: PR.11641861SP
UPC: 680160685202.
What?! - my composer colleagues said - A concerto for the piano? It's a 19th century instrument! Admittedly we are in an age when originally created timbres and/or musico-technological formulations are often the modus operandi of a piece. Actually, this Concerto began about two years ago when, during one of my creative jogs, the sound of the uppermost register of the piano mingled with wind chimes penetrated my inner ear. The challenge and fascination of exploring and developing this idea into an orchestral situation determined that some day soon I would be writing a work for piano and orchestra. So it was a very happy coincidence when Mona Golabek phoned to tell me she would like discuss the Ford Foundation commission. After covering areas of aesthetics and compositional styles, we found that we had a good working rapport, and she asked if I would accept the commission. The answer was obvious. Then began the intensive thought process on the stylistic essence and organization of the work. Along with this went a renewed study of idiomatic writing for the piano, of the kind Stravinsky undertook with the violin when he began his Violin Concerto. By a stroke of great fortune, the day in February 1972 that I received official notice from the Ford Foundation of the commission, I also received a letter from the Guggenheim Foundation informing me I had been awarded my second fellowship. With the good graces of Zubin Mehta and Ernest Fleischmann, masters of my destiny as a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, I was relieved of my orchestral duties during the Hollywood Bowl season. Thus I was able to go to Europe to work and to view the latest trends in music concentrating in London (the current musical melting pot and showcase par excellence), Oslo, Norway, for the Festival of Scandinavian Music called Nordic Days, and Warsaw, Poland, for its prestigious Autumn Festival. Over half the Concerto was completed in that summer and most of the rest during the 72-73 season with the final touches put on during a month as Resident Scholar at the Rockefeller Foundation's Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, Italy. So much for the external and environmental influences, except perhaps to mention the birds of Sussex in the first movement, the bells of Arhus (Denmark) in the second movement and the bells of Bellagio at the end of the Concerto. Primary in the conception was the personality of Miss Golabek: she is a wonderfully vital and dynamic person and a real virtuoso. Therefore, the soloist in the Concerto is truly the protagonist; it is she (for once we can do away with the generic he) who unfolds the character and intent of the piece. The first section is constructed in the manner of a recitative - completely unmeasured - with letters and numbers by which the conductor signals the orchestra for its participation. This allows the soloist the freedom to interpret the patterns and control the flow and development of the music. The Concerto is actually in one continuous movement but with three large divisions of sufficiently contrasting character to be called movements in themselves. The first 'movement' is based on a few timbral elements: 1) a cluster of very low pitches which at the beginning are practically inaudibly depressed, and sustained silently by the sostenuto pedal, which causes sympathetic vibrating pitches to ring when strong notes are struck; 2) a single powerful note indicated by a black note-head with a line through it indicating the strongest possible sforzando; 3) short figures of various colors sometimes ominous, sometimes as splashes of light or as elements of transition; 4) trills and tremolos which are the actual controlling organic thread starting as single axial tremolos and gradually expanding to trills of increasingly larger and more powerful scope. The 'movement' begins in quiescent repose but unceasingly grows in energy and tension as the stretching of a string or rubber band. When it can no longer be restrained, it bursts into the next section. The second 'movement,' propelled by the released tension, is a brilliant virtuosic display, which begins with a long solo of wispy percussion, later joined in duet with the piano. Not to be ignored, the orchestra takes over shooting the material throughout all its sections like a small agile bird deftly maneuvering through nothing but air, while the piano counterposes moments of lyricism. The orchestra reaches a climax, thrusting us into the third 'movement' which begins with a cadenza-like section for the piano. This moves gently into an expressive section (expressive is not a negative term to me) in which duets are formed with various instruments. There are fleeting glimpses of remembrances past, as a fragmented recapitulation. One glimpse is hazily expressed by strings and percussion in a moment of simultaneous contrasting levels of activity, a technique of which I have been fond and have utilized in various fixed-free relationships, particularly in my Percussion Concerto, Contextures and Games: Collage No. 1. The second half of the third 'movement; is a large coda - akin to those in Beethoven - which brings about another display of virtuosity, this time gutsy and driving, raising the Concerto to a final climax, the soloist completing the fragmented recapitulation concept as well as the work with the single-note sforzando and low cluster from the very opening of the first movement.
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