SKU: BR.EB-9387

ISBN 9790004188576. 0 x 0 inches.

Commissioned by the Kolner Philharmonie (KolnMusik) for the non bthvn projekt 2020 and the Cite de la musique / Philharmonie de Paris Dedicated to Arditti Quartet Each movement of this quartet explores a single state, its lights and its shadows. Each movement, you could say, is a moment . And these moments could last for more or less time without compromising their essential nature. The processes could be extended or compressed, repeated or reversed, but the core ideas - if they are ideas, but maybe they are simply experiences? - are what they are. Despite this, the precise sequence of movements matters a great deal. Heard together they do articulate some kind of linear narrative, maybe even a metaphorical journey (albeit a circular one where the arrival might, who knows, prove to be a new departure). One situation gives way to another and instrumental relationships within the quartet vary, but ultimately the imaginative impulse behind the piece preferences states of unity. Whether or not this unity is expressed texturally - sometimes literal unisons pervade, but not always - there is generally a sense that even seemingly diverse aspects relate to a fundamental condition of concord: a conscious limitation in the pitch structure to spectral emanations of the root notes E-flat and C. At the opening this is unambiguously audible in the perpetual alternation of these two notes in the low cello register. Later the two spectra are woven into a micro-tonal 'double-spectral-mode' (derived from the first 24 partials of the C and E-flat fundamentals), which defines the subtle melodic inflection of the second movement, and the never-quite-chromatic ascending scales of the third. For now this feels like a rich source of melodic possibility, so far only just glimpsed... And why the insistence on E-flat? Probably by way of historical anecdote. Apparently Karl Holz (a member of the Schuppanzigh Quartet) said to Beethoven: We performed your Quartet in E-flat Op. 127 in his [Weber's] honour; he found the Adagio too long; but I told him: Beethoven also has a longer feeling and a longer imagination than anyone standing or not standing today. - Since then, even Linke (another member of the quartet) can no longer stand him: we cannot forgive him for this. Listening again to Op. 127, in light of these comments, I was struck by the opening moment: the unfolding of an E-flat 7th chord over the course of a few bars. Every time I hear it I find myself wishing that Beethoven would have lingered longer there, without resolution or progression, just enjoying that sonority. And maybe - why not? - tune the 7th naturally. And what would it be to stretch that moment into an entire piece? What would Weber think of that?! In the end I was not so extreme in my self-limitation, and other concerns took over, but it was from these thoughts that the composition process began... Lastly, about the title: it comes from a book called 'The Clock of the Long Now' by Stewart Brand, published at the turn of the millennium. It's about the creation of a thousand-year clock to embody the aspiration to thinking in terms of longer time-spans than are presently habitual. If the music of Beethoven embodied a 'longer' feeling and imagination than some of his contemporaries were able to appreciate, what is our relation to time now? Longer or shorter? Maybe it depends who you ask... It's probably more extreme in both directions: attention spans might be diminishing in the digital world, but conversely there is an awareness of distant pasts and potential futures which would have been inconceivable at the time of Beethoven. In any case, the interesting thing is to ponder how societal conditions, assumptions and expectations might - whether consciously or unconsciously - influence the time of art, for listeners and creators alike. And what if time is running out? (Christian Mason)

World premiere: Paris, Cite de la musique, January 14, 2020.

SKU: CF.CPS245

ISBN 9781491158128. UPC: 680160916726. 9 x 12 inches.

ABOUT THE MUSIC Future of Tomorrow (Concert March) was commissioned by the Arts Education Branch, Ministry of Education as the set piece for the Singapore Youth Festival 2016 Arts Presentation for Concert and Brass Bands (Primary Level). This march uses brief excerpts from the well-known Malay folk songs Katak Lompat and Rasa Sayang. Our youths are indeed our future of tomorrow. This joyful-themed march aims to bring out the best in each of your young players. I hope that students, band directors and audiences will enjoy preparing, performing and listening to this work. EDUCATIONAL NOTES Key: Eb Major SECTION BARS EVENT / SCORING / SUGGESTIONS Introduction 1-4 Opens in Eb major with dotted rhythm motif. 1st Strain 5-20 Take note of melodic phrasing above the (light) oom-pah ostinato; melody repeats at m. 13 with the addition of countermelody in the inner lines; although written at mf dynamic, this anew ideaa needs to be heard clearly for contrast with the previous statement. 2nd Strain 21-36 C minor (relative minor); excerpt from Katak Lompat; melody in the lower brass/wind from m. 21 with a contrasting attitude/style from 1st strain; back to a more lyrical treatment from m. 29. Trio 37-56 Stays unmodulated in the same key; opens with a percussion solo feature before the start of the softer Trio theme; keep this section controlled and be sensitive to the balance; the metallic timbre of the muted trumpet/cornet needs to be heard clearly (might suggest to bring the dynamic level up to mf when muted); if cued-notes are played, make sure they are played throughout the melodic phrase as written to avoid awkward leaps. Break Strain 57-62 Excerpt from Rasa Sayang with some play in tonality and instrumental dialogue; quasi grandioso-style before the final strain. Final Strain 63-82 Back to Eb major with the reprise of the Trio theme; festive-like style with fuller orchestration and new countermelodies; dotted rhythm motif from the introduction concludes the march in a codetta-like section from m. 79. NOTE TO THE CONDUCTOR This march has been carefully written with reasonable technicalities and range in mind for younger players. Generally, optional cued notes in parenthesis are given for less experienced players who have yet to develop their range on the instrument. However, they should never be taken as an easy alternative for all players in the section; otherwise, this may result in a less than ideal flow of the musical lines. Marches are good tools to train tempo consistency, articulation and rhythmic precision as well as musical phrasing. I hope that there will be great learning opportunities for your students as they learn this piece. This march is separately orchestrated for both wind and brass bands to maximize the instrumental colors within each ensemble. The parts are therefore not exchangeable between the wind band and brass band sets. I wish you the best in the performance of this work. - Benjamin Yeo.
ABOUT THE MUSIC Future of Tomorrow (Concert March) was commissioned by the Arts Education Branch, Ministry of Education as the set piece for the Singapore Youth Festival 2016 Arts Presentation for Concert and Brass Bands (Primary Level). This march uses brief excerpts from the well-known Malay folk songs Katak Lompat and Rasa Sayang. Our youths are indeed our future of tomorrow. This joyful-themed march aims to bring out the best in each of your young players. I hope that students, band directors and audiences will enjoy preparing, performing and listening to this work. EDUCATIONAL NOTES Key: Eb Major SECTION BARS EVENT / SCORING / SUGGESTIONS Introduction 1-4 Opens in Eb major with dotted rhythm motif. 1st Strain 5-20 Take note of melodic phrasing above the (light) oom-pah ostinato; melody repeats at m. 13 with the addition of countermelody in the inner lines; although written at mf dynamic, this 'new idea' needs to be heard clearly for contrast with the previous statement. 2nd Strain 21-36 C minor (relative minor); excerpt from Katak Lompat; melody in the lower brass/wind from m. 21 with a contrasting attitude/style from 1st strain; back to a more lyrical treatment from m. 29. Trio 37-56 Stays unmodulated in the same key; opens with a percussion solo feature before the start of the softer Trio theme; keep this section controlled and be sensitive to the balance; the metallic timbre of the muted trumpet/cornet needs to be heard clearly (might suggest to bring the dynamic level up to mf when muted); if cued-notes are played, make sure they are played throughout the melodic phrase as written to avoid awkward leaps. Break Strain 57-62 Excerpt from Rasa Sayang with some play in tonality and instrumental dialogue; quasi grandioso-style before the final strain. Final Strain 63-82 Back to Eb major with the reprise of the Trio theme; festive-like style with fuller orchestration and new countermelodies; dotted rhythm motif from the introduction concludes the march in a codetta-like section from m. 79. NOTE TO THE CONDUCTOR This march has been carefully written with reasonable technicalities and range in mind for younger players. Generally, optional cued notes in parenthesis are given for less experienced players who have yet to develop their range on the instrument. However, they should never be taken as an easy alternative for all players in the section; otherwise, this may result in a less than ideal flow of the musical lines. Marches are good tools to train tempo consistency, articulation and rhythmic precision as well as musical phrasing. I hope that there will be great learning opportunities for your students as they learn this piece. This march is separately orchestrated for both wind and brass bands to maximize the instrumental colors within each ensemble. The parts are therefore not exchangeable between the wind band and brass band sets. I wish you the best in the performance of this work. - Benjamin Yeo.
ABOUT THE MUSICFuture of Tomorrow (Concert March) was commissioned by the Arts Education Branch, Ministry of Education as the set piece for the Singapore Youth Festival 2016 Arts Presentation for Concert and Brass Bands (Primary Level). This march uses brief excerpts from the well-known Malay folk songs Katak Lompat and Rasa Sayang.Our youths are indeed our future of tomorrow. This joyful-themed march aims to bring out the best in each of your young players. I hope that students, band directors and audiences will enjoy preparing, performing and listening to this work.EDUCATIONAL NOTESKey: Eb MajorSECTIONBARSEVENT / SCORING / SUGGESTIONSIntroduction1-4Opens in Eb major with dotted rhythm motif.1st Strain5-20Take note of melodic phrasing above the (light) oom-pah ostinato;melody repeats at m. 13 with the addition of countermelody in the inner lines; although written at mf dynamic, this ‘new idea’ needs to be heard clearly for contrast with the previous statement.2nd Strain21-36C minor (relative minor); excerpt from Katak Lompat; melody in the lower brass/wind from m. 21 with a contrasting attitude/style from 1st strain; back to a more lyrical treatment from m. 29.Trio37-56Stays unmodulated in the same key; opens with a percussion solo feature before the start of the softer Trio theme; keep this section controlled and be sensitive to the balance; the metallic timbre of the muted trumpet/cornet needs to be heard clearly (might suggest to bring the dynamic level up to mf when muted); if cued-notes are played, make sure they are played throughout the melodic phrase as written to avoid awkward leaps.Break Strain57-62Excerpt from Rasa Sayang with some play in tonality and instrumental dialogue; quasi grandioso-style before the final strain.Final Strain63-82Back to Eb major with the reprise of the Trio theme; festive-like style with fuller orchestration and new countermelodies; dotted rhythm motif from the introduction concludes the march in a codetta-like section from m. 79.NOTE TO THE CONDUCTORThis march has been carefully written with reasonable technicalities and range in mind for younger players. Generally, optional cued notes in parenthesis are given for less experienced players who have yet to develop their range on the instrument. However, they should never be taken as an easy alternative for all players in the section; otherwise, this may result in a less than ideal flow of the musical lines. Marches are good tools to train tempo consistency, articulation and rhythmic precision as well as musical phrasing. I hope that there will be great learning opportunities for your students as they learn this piece.This march is separately orchestrated for both wind and brass bands to maximize the instrumental colors within each ensemble. The parts are therefore not exchangeable between the wind band and brass band sets.I wish you the best in the performance of this work.- Benjamin Yeo.

SKU: CF.H84

ISBN 9781491165539. UPC: 680160924530.

Marcel Tournier (1879–1951) was one of the most important harpist/composers in the history of the harp. Over his long career, he added a significant catalogue of very beautiful works to the harp repertoire. Many of his solo works, almost one hundred, have been consistently in print since they were first published. But in recent years harpist Carl Swanson has discovered a treasure trove of pieces by Tournier heretofore unknown and unpublished. These include the Déchiffrages in this edition, as well as songs set for voice, harp, and string quartet, and ensemble arrangements of some of his most beloved works.All of the works that Carl Swanson found were in manuscript only. With the help of the great harpist Catherine Michel, he has put these pieces into playable form, and they are being published for the very first time. He and Catherine often had to re-notate passages to show clearly how they could be played, adding fingerings and musical nuances, tempos, pedals, and pedal diagrams.Tournier wrote these pieces when he was in his 20s, and before he became the impressionistic composer those familiar with his work know so well. They are written in the late nineteenth-century romantic style that was being taught at that time at the Paris Conservatory. They are beautiful short, intermediate level pieces by a first rate composer, and add much needed repertoire to that level of playing.
Marcel Tournier (1879–1951) was one of the most important harpist/composers in the history of the harp. He graduated from the Paris Conservatory with a first prize in harp in 1899. He also studied composition there and won a second prize in the prestigious Prix de Rome competition, as well as a first prize in the Rossini competition, another major composition competition of the day. From 1912 to 1948 he taught the harp class at the Paris Conservatory. But composition, and almost entirely, composition for the harp, was the main focus of his life. His published works, including many works for solo harp, a few for harp and other instruments, and several songs, number around one hundred pieces.In 2019, while researching Tournier for my edition MARCEL TOURNIER: 10 Pieces for Solo Harp, I discovered that there was a significant list of pieces by this composer that had never been published and were not included on any inventory of his music. Principal on this list were his déchiffrages (pronounced day-she-frahge, like the second syllable in the word garage).The word déchiffrage means sight-reading exercise, and that was their original purpose. Tournier numbered and dated these pieces, with dates ranging from 1900 to 1910, indicating that they were in all likelihood written for Alphonse Hasselmans’ class at the Paris Conservatory. Tournier was probably told how long to make each one, and how difficult. They range in length from two to four pages, with only one in the whole series extending to five, and from thirty to fifty-five measures, with only one extending to eight-five. The level of difficulty for the whole series is intermediate, with some at the easier end, and others at the middle or upper end.We don’t know if they were intended to test students trying to enter the harp class, or if they were used to test students in the class as they played their exams. The fact that they were never published means that students had to not only sight read them, but sight read them in manuscript form!I worked from digital images of the original manuscripts, which are in the private music library of a harpist in France. She had twenty-seven of these pieces, and this edition is the second in a series of three that will publish, for the first time, all of the ones that I have found thus far. The manuscripts themselves consist of little more than notes on the page: no pedals written in, no fingerings, few if any musical nuances and tempo markings, and no clear indication as to which hand plays which notes. These would have been difficult to sight read indeed! My collaborator Catherine Michel and I added musical nuances, fingerings, pedals and pedal diagrams, and tempo indications to put them into their current condition.At the time these were written, Tournier would have been in his twenties, having just graduated from the harp class himself (1899), and might still have been in the composition class. These are the earliest known pieces that he wrote, and they were written at the very beginning of a cultural revolution and upheaval in Paris that was to completely and profoundly alter musical composition. Tournier himself would eventually be caught up in this new way of composing. But not yet.All of the déchiffrages are written in the late romantic style that was being taught at that time at the Paris Conservatory. Each one is built on a clear musical idea, and the variety over the whole series makes them wonderful to listen to as well as to learn. They are also great technical lessons for intermediate level players.The obvious question is: Why didn’t Tournier publish these pieces, and why didn’t he list them on his own inventory of his music? Actually, four of them were published, with small changes, as his collection Four Preludes, Op. 16. These came from the ones that will be in volume three of this series from Carl Fischer. His first large piece, Theme and Variations, was published in 1908, and his two best known and frequently played pieces, Féerie and Au Matin, followed in 1912 and 1913 respectively. We can only speculate because there is so much still unknown about Tournier and about these unpublished pieces. He may have looked at them, fresh out of school as he was, as simply a way to make some quick money. The first several pieces that he did publish are much longer than any of the déchiffrages. So it could be that, because of their shorter length, as well as the earlier musical style that he was moving away from, he chose not to publish any more of them. We may never know the full story. But all these years later, more than a century after they were composed, we can listen to them for their own merits, and not measured against whatever else was going on at the time. The numbers on these pieces are the ones that Tournier assigned to them, and the gaps between some of the numbers suggest that there are perhaps thirty or more of these pieces still to be found, if they still exist. They will, in all likelihood, be found, as these were, in private collections of harp music, not in institutional libraries. We can only hope that more of them will be located in years to come.—Carl SwansonGlossary of French Musical TermsTournier was very precise about how he wanted his pieces played, and carefully communicated this with many musical indications. He used standard Italian words, but also used French words and phrases, and occasionally mixed both together. It is extremely important to observe and understand everything that he put on the page.Here is a list of the French words and phrases found in the pieces in this edition, with their translation.bien chanté well sung, melodiousdécidé firm, resolutediminu peu à peu becoming softer little by littleen diminuant becoming softeren riten. slowing downen se perdant dying awayGaiement gayly, lightlygracieusement gracefully, elegantlyLéger light, quickLent slowmarquez le chant emphasize the melodyModéré at a moderate tempopeu à peu animé more lively, little by littleplus lent slowerRetenu held backsans lenteur without slownesssans retinir without slowing downsec drily, abruptlysoutenu sustained, heldtrès arpegé very arpeggiatedTrès Modéré Very moderate tempoTrès peu retenu slightly held backTrès soutenu very sustainedun peu retenu slightly held back.