SKU: OU.9780193513228
ISBN 9780193513228. 12 x 8 inches.
Moving On is a single movement work for string quartet. Skempton masterfully combines classical string quartet textures with luxuriant harmonies and a fluid approach to tonality, resulting in an appealing modern addition to the genre.
SKU: OU.9780193417175
ISBN 9780193417175. 12 x 8 inches.
SKU: HL.14037707
ISBN 9781849385916. UPC: 884088578626. 8.25x11.75x0.262 inches.
Kevin Volans' String Quartet No. 9: Shiva Dances was commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and first performed by the Smith Quartet at the 2004 Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.Kevin Volans (the composer) notes on the piece:In the past I have been interested in trying to go beyond historicism (1970s), beyond style(1980s) and beyond form (1990s) in my work. Looking back over the music of the twentiethcentury I was struck by the fact the nearlyall of it is extremely 'busy', almost cluttered. Italmost seemed that composers felt compelled to look industrious. In the new millennium Ithought it would be interesting to try and eliminate content. I also aspired to movingfrommusic (sound as art) to art (art as sound). This, of course, has already been done by a numberof composers (many from New York - Phil Niblock and La Monte Young, to name but two), butit was something I had never tried.AlthoughI found it annoying that the label 'minimalist' was given to my African-based work,and fearing this would make the label stick, I set out to write a piece which reflected my loveof minimal painting and architecture. The Japanesehave a term 'wabi' meaning 'voluntarypoverty' or 'emptiness' to describe their restrained minimal aesthetic, an aesthetic which,however, pays greatest attention to the quality of material and fine detail. I like to think thatthelack of excessive pitch material in this piece reflects a kind of voluntary poverty.When Shiva is portrayed dancing (as Nataraj) He is depicted in a circle of flames crushing asmall figure - the ego - underfoot.You get theimpression He dances on the spot, not movingaround at all. I like that.The piece is dedicated to Pablo Pascual Cilleruelo.
SKU: DS.169423
A string quartet with optional violin for viola. After a full ensemble introduction the piece gives way to a duet in the viola and cello. With the violins entering one at a time the piece now becomes full with all parts present gravitating to motivic development moving to a modulation. The next section gives the tune to the cello with the upper lines adding punctuated accompanied figures. The next section uses motivic patterns while passing portions of the tune to the various players. A modulation- then the parts become increasingly more active in a variation style. With a solid ensemble altering the melody; a brake; then, repose.Key of G, C, D.
SKU: PR.11440902S
UPC: 680160013708.
The quartet begins with a 5-note motif, played in unison that permeates melodically and harmonically throughout the movement. The energetic and hard-driven character of the second musical idea propels the music forward with fast moving notes and greater urgency. It often alternates with the more lyrical rendition of the 5-note motif, yielding contrasting sections. After a brief coda, the 5-note motif concludes the movement much the same way it had begun but with greater intensity. The second movement explores the world of fantasy. To some extent the beginning and the ending of the movement function as the opening and closing doors that separate the reality from the dream and subconscious. It is one continuous movement in an arch form that gradually accelerates to an expansive emotional climax and returning steadily to the surface led by an ethereal solo cello. The transcendent ending is similar to the beginning, though half step higher. The third movement begins boldly with the 5-note motif transformed into a dance character in a compound meter. The asymmetrical meter of the Persian folk music influences much of the rhythmic character of the movement. The return of many materials from earlier movements interwoven into the fabric of this movement reinforces the cyclical and organic character of the quarter. Particularly, a mysterious passage, reminiscence of the second movement leading to a brief full-blown ballad is a favorite moment of Ranjbaran's in the quartet. A blazingly virtuosic viola leads the quartet to an uplifting conclusion.
SKU: DS.169424
A string quartet with optional third violin for viola. After a brief introduction the theme is presented in a straight forward ensemble harmonization with some altered pitches. The next section places the melody in the viola line with opposing lines in the violins. The ensuing section now gives the tune to the second violin with contrapuntal action in the other voices. A chorus section is now more articulated and active until the tune is handed to the first violin with ever more moving counterpoint in the other voices. The piece then ends in a strong statement.Key of G, D.
SKU: PR.114415750
ISBN 9781491101483. UPC: 680160612499.
The impressive Marian Anderson String Quartet has established a Continuing the Legacy commissioning project, to honor the 75th anniversary of their namesake's performance at the Lincoln Memorial, as well as their own 25th anniversary. Hailstork is one of a handful of American composers invited to create a 21st century string quartet based upon songs of the African Diaspora. His choice of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot has led to an evocative, but moving string quartet. Also available for string orchestra, on a rental basis. For advanced performers. Duration: 15'.
SKU: HH.HH389-FSP
ISBN 9790708146032.
The inspiration for Tread Softly came from two contrasting sources: the religious music of early medieval Spain, and Debbie Locke’s work of art ‘Retracing Your Steps - Bristol I’. Although over a thousand years apart, these two sources share a common feature - a powerful sense of movement enclosed within a static form. In early Spanish music this manifests in the use of extended melisma, and in Locke’s work it is depicted through the seemingly moving, web-like form of the central image. Tread Softly explores the idea of movement within stasis through the use of a main melodic gesture that transforms very slowly, but constantly, throughout.
