Introduction und Passacaglia

SKU: BR.EB-8511

Breitkopf Urtext on the basis of the Reger Complete Edition ed. by Hans Klotz, critically examined by Martin Weyer with an introduction by Hans Haselbock

ISBN 9790004178041. 9 x 12 inches.

A key work in Reger's organ production from the time of its first publication in 1902 up to today, the famous F-minor Passacaglia from Op. 63 has cast its spell on generations of organ lovers. The dark bass strides quietly through the depths, persistently and secretly like time itself; a ghostly breath murmurs about the heights and rustles through light leaves; and from within emerges a voice which rises and falls in a seemingly aimless manner, and which speaks more than it sings... (Gustav-Robert Tornow on the 8th variation of the Passacaglia in his 1907 introduction to the work).

SKU: PR.14440757S

ISBN 9781491136539. UPC: 680160689347.

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Septet is the first major work written for this combination of instruments, and the pioneering process was greatly enjoyed by the composer: “While the instrumentation of the Septet provides an almost orchestral palette, and it was interesting to explore that, I love the idea of seven artist-performers, each of whom can be a stunning virtuoso one moment and a thoughtful partner the next, and I relish the electricity that results from those shifting roles.” Septet was written for the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio and the Miami String Quartet, to whom it is dedicated. String parts available on rental. For advanced ensembles. Duration: 24’.
Writing music is a labor of love for me.  My greatest joy is writing for performers whom I can be sure will not only deliver the notes accurately, but will project the meaning behind the notes.  To have performers in the wings who will bring their own imagination and deep understanding to a performance is an inspiration to me.  So I approached the writing of my Septet for the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio and the Miami String Quartet with great anticipation and pleasure.The fact that there is no model for such a Septet made the pre-composition process a most enjoyable exploration.  I liked the idea of having two strong ensemble personalities in the mix, and I thought that there must be some sort of challenging interchange at the outset.  The first movement, “Introductions,” (note the plural) starts with the piano trio throwing down the gauntlet and the string quartet entering quietly, but gradually (almost one by one) joining with the trio to make a true septet with multi-faceted relations.  The second movement, “Quasi una Passacaglia,” is based on a repeated phrase pattern.  Part of the formal design is a contrast between “Baroque” style performance and modern, more romantic ways of playing.  “Games,” the third movement, involves much playful interplay and the fourth movement, “Au revoir,” offers both reminiscence and farewell – not “good-bye,” but “until we meet again.”Throughout the piece, two of my persistent fascinations are explored: firstly, my interest in designing initial material that can evolve into large-scale form, and secondly, the pleasure I take in chamber music.  While the instrumentation of the Septet provides an almost orchestral palette and it was interesting to explore that, I love the idea of 7 artist-performers, each of whom can be a stunning virtuoso one moment and a thoughtful partner the next, and I relish the electricity that results form those shifting roles.

SKU: CA.5287400

ISBN 9790007183103.

SKU: CA.4033050

ISBN 9790007104733. Language: all languages.

Autograph in facsimile; excerpt from the first page. Score available separately - see item CA.4033000.

SKU: BT.DHP-0960790-010

This composition is based on a passacaglia theme, in which artistic perfection, symphonic drama and oriental melody lines play a role. The passacaglia is originally a dance made up of a series of variations above a bass line constantly present as an ostinato. It is not in this sense that the Symphonic Variations are in the passacaglia form but in the sense of the open form of the variations. Jacob de Haan, himself originally an organist, took his inspiration for this piece from the famous passacaglia for organ in C-minor by J.S. Bach. Following the introduction of the passacaglia theme (in the bass) the entry by the trumpets and trombones forms the majestic start to amusical adventure, in which this theme (often fragmentary) returns in variations. Then there follow two faster movements with dramatic contrasts and virtuose passages. Particularly striking here is the use of two characteristic intervals from the beginning of the theme namely the minor second and the augmented fourth. An apause in the composition comes in the slow bridge where a syncopated bourdon (perfect fifth) is constantly repeated. The tension grows in dynamics and harmony, and the oriental-flavour becomes obvious in the melody. We arrive at a faster movement via an accelerando, in which a perpetuum mobile based on the passacaglia theme is central. Finally the whole flows into a martial theme, in which the ostinato accompaniment n the descant derives from the passacaglia theme.

SKU: MN.30-800

UPC: 688670308000.

Introduction, Chorale, Prelude, Passacaglia, Hymn, Finale. Stirring setting challenges ringers. Various sections may also be played independently. Rewarding. Premiered by Handbell Ringers Japan! Three octaves (34 bells)4 octaves (42 bells).

SKU: M7.DOHR-22963

ISBN 9790202009635.