SKU: RM.JOUB02401-CO
SKU: CF.MXE55
ISBN 9781491153864. UPC: 680160911363.
Harmonic Gallery, commissioned by Network for New Music for premiere at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, is a musical analog of a museum exhibition in which paintings, sometimes created hundreds of years apart, are shown in close proximity. There are three movements, surrounded by musical frames. Minuetto is reminiscent of the early nineteenth century when the minuet form started to escape its rigid formalities. Angst recalls the early twentieth century when tonality supposedly started to crumble. It is based on famous harmonies used by Richard Wagner and Arnold Schoenberg. Dance is unashamedly post-minimal and post-modern, and celebrates repetition and cadences. The four frames comment on the harmonies of the movements that they surround.
The three movements are very loosely related to three paintings in the collection: The Gordon Family, by Henry Benbridge, ca. 1762; Final Assault upon Fort Fisher, North Carolina, by Xanthus Smith, ca. 187273; Three Wise Men Greeting Entry into Lagos, by Kehinda Wiley, 2008.
Paul Lansky
Frame 1 100
Minuetto (Post-Classical, c. 1810) 352
Frame 2 125
Angst (Post-Romantic, c. 1910) 353
Frame 3 122
Dance (Post-Modern, c. 2010) 535
Frame 4 050
Total Duration 1755
Harmonic Gallery, commissioned by Network for New Music for premiere at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, is a musical analog of a museum exhibition in which paintings, sometimes created hundreds of years apart, are shown in close proximity. There are three movements, surrounded by musical aframes.a aMinuettoa is reminiscent of the early nineteenth century when the minuet form started to escape its rigid formalities. aAngsta recalls the early twentieth century when tonality supposedly started to crumble. It is based on famous harmonies used by Richard Wagner and Arnold Schoenberg. aDancea is unashamedly post-minimal and post-modern, and celebrates repetition and cadences. The four aframesaa comment on the harmonies of the movements that they surround.
The three movements are very loosely related to three paintings in the collection: The Gordon Family, by Henry Benbridge, ca. 1762; Final Assault upon Fort Fisher, North Carolina, by Xanthus Smith, ca. 1872a73; Three Wise Men Greeting Entry into Lagos, by Kehinda Wiley, 2008.
aPaul Lansky
Frame 1 1a00a
Minuetto (Post-Classical, c. 1810) 3a52a
Frame 2 1a25a
Angst (Post-Romantic, c. 1910) 3a53a
Frame 3 1a22a
Dance (Post-Modern, c. 2010) 5a35a
Frame 4 0a50a
Total Duration 17a55a
Harmonic Gallery, commissioned by Network for New Music for premiere at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, is a musical analog of a museum exhibition in which paintings, sometimes created hundreds of years apart, are shown in close proximity. There are three movements, surrounded by musical frames. Minuetto is reminiscent of the early nineteenth century when the minuet form started to escape its rigid formalities. Angst recalls the early twentieth century when tonality supposedly started to crumble. It is based on famous harmonies used by Richard Wagner and Arnold Schoenberg. Dance is unashamedly post-minimal and post-modern, and celebrates repetition and cadences. The four frames' comment on the harmonies of the movements that they surround.
The three movements are very loosely related to three paintings in the collection: The Gordon Family, by Henry Benbridge, ca. 1762; Final Assault upon Fort Fisher, North Carolina, by Xanthus Smith, ca. 1872-73; Three Wise Men Greeting Entry into Lagos, by Kehinda Wiley, 2008.
--Paul Lansky
Frame 1 1'00
Minuetto (Post-Classical, c. 1810) 3'52
Frame 2 1'25
Angst (Post-Romantic, c. 1910) 3'53
Frame 3 1'22
Dance (Post-Modern, c. 2010) 5'35
Frame 4 0'50'
Total Duration 17'55
SKU: CF.MXE55F
ISBN 9781491153895. UPC: 680160911394.
SKU: HL.280392
UPC: 888680971069. 8.5x11.75x0.281 inches.
The Cello Concerto is in four main sections that are played without a break. As with most of my work, the music throughout is generated from the ideas presented in the fi rst few bars, and these ideas and their variants appear freely in the different sections. Recurring material and references to earlier sections are used deliberately to create not only a sense of unity but also an impression of familiarity that aspires to induce a dream-like perception of the passing music, a kind of spiral. The piece opens with a slow introduction that gradually quickens into the first main section, an allegro. The form of the second section, which is in a lighter mood, is based on an early 13th century verse form, the Sestina, which consists of six stanzas of sixlines each, followed by an envoi. The words that end each line in the first stanza are rotated in a strictly prescribed pattern* to give the line-endings of the remaining stanzas; in this adaptation, each line consists of four bars, and the repetitions ensue according to the plan. The intricate repetition inherent in this form can also be seen as a form of spiral. The third section is an extended slow movement interrupted by a quicker episode that refers to the fi rst section. Generally lighter and in a similar vein to the second section, the final section includes a reference to the slow movement before returning to the lighter music that ends the piece. This work is dedicated to Natalie Clein.
SKU: HL.44010989
UPC: 884088637446. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.
Evolution was commissioned by Kunstfactor for the 4th section of the Dutch National Brass Band Championships (NBK) 2011. It is dedicated to Jappie Dijkstra and the Music Information Centre (MUI), Arnhem, Holland, in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in developing brass band repertoire. The composer writes:-The idea for the piece came when I was reading an article about a branch of Chinese philosophy which is abbreviated as Wu Xing, which has no exact translation but can mean, for example, five elements, five phases or five states of change. It is central to all elements of Chinese thought, including science, philosophy, medicine and astrology, and in simpleterms tries to create various cyclic relationships between five elements in all walks of life. An example is: Earth - Metal - Water - Wood - Fire - (Earth) etc. where (in one cycle) earth bears metal, metal changes to liquid (water) when heated, water helps trees grow, wood burns to create fire, fire produces ash (earth) and the cycle continues.I was particularly interested in the cycle of emotions: Meditation - Sorrow - Fear - Anger - Joy - (Meditation) etc. and thought this cyclic principle would provide an effective emotional journey for a piece of music. So Evolution has five equal sections which loosely characterise this emotional cycle. I have tried to make the music grow organically, with minimal repetition, and each movement evolves from the musical elements at the end of the previous one, with the opening material appearing, transformed, at the end of the piece to complete the cycle. Evolution is geschreven in opdracht van Kunstfactor voor de 4e divisie van de NBK (Nederlandse Brassband Kampioenschappen) 2011. Het werk is opgedragen aan Jappie Dijkstra en het MUI (Muziekuitleen- en Informatiecentrum) te Arnhem, als waardering voor hun inspanningen met betrekking tot de ontwikkeling van het brassbandrepertoire.De componist schrijft:Het idee voor Evolution kwam in mij op toen ik een artikel las over een tak binnen de Chinese filosofie waarvan de naam wordt afgekort tot Wu Xing - waar geen exacte vertaling voor is, maar wat zoveel betekent als vijf elementen, vijf fasen of vijf stadia van verandering. Het gaat om een wezenlijk onderdeel van allecomponenten binnen het Chinese gedachtegoed, inclusief de wetenschap, filosofie, geneeskunst en astrologie. Simpel gezegd draait het om het creeren van diverse cyclische verbanden tussen vijf elementen die in ieders leven een rol spelen. Een voorbeeld: Aarde - Metaal - Water - Hout - Vuur - (Aarde) enz. In deze cyclus bevat aarde metaal; metaal verandert in vloeistof (water) door verhitting; water helpt bomen te groeien; hout dat brandt creeert vuur; en vuur produceert as (aarde). Zo blijft de cyclus voortgaan. Zelf was ik vooral geinteresseerd in de cyclus van emoties: Meditatie - Verdriet - Angst - Boosheid - Vreugde - (Meditatie) enz. De gedachte aan dit cyclische principe leverde een reis door een muzikale wereld van emoties op. Evolution bestaat uit vijf delen die betrekking hebben op de emotionele cyclus. Ik heb geprobeerd de muziek op natuurlijke wijze te laten ontstaan, met zo weinig mogelijk herhalingen. Elk deel vloeit voort uit de muzikale elementen uit het slot van het voorgaande deel. Het openingsmateriaal komt, in getransformeerde gedaante, terug aan het einde van het werk, waarmee de cyclus wordt afgerond. Evolution wurde von Kunstfactor fur die vierte Abteilung der Hollandischen Nationalen Brass-Band-Meisterschaft (NBK) 2011 in Auftrag gegeben. Die Widmung gilt Jappie Dijkstra und dem Musik-Informationszentrum (MUI) in Arnhem (Holland), in Anerkennung ihrer ausserordentlichen Bemuhungen um die Entwicklung des Brass-Band-Repertoires.Der Komponist uber sein Werk:Die Idee zu diesem Stuck kam mir beim Lesen eines Artikels uber eine Richtung der chinesischen Philosophie, die abgekurzt Wu Xing heisst, was nicht wortlich ubersetzt werden kann, aber so viel wie funf Elemente, funf Phasen oder funf Stadien der Verwandlung bedeutet. Dieses Prinzip nimmt eine zentrale Positionim gesamten chinesischen Gedankengut ein, sei es in der Wissenschaft, Medizin oder Astrologie. Einfach ausgedruckt, werden damit in allen Lebensbereichen verschiedene zyklische Beziehungen zwischen funf Elementen hergestellt.Zum Beispiel: Erde - Metall - Wasser - Holz - Feuer - (Erde) - usw. In diesem Zyklus enthalt die Erde Metall, das sich bei Erhitzung verflussigt (Wasser); Wasser lasst Baume wachsen, deren Holz verbrennt (Feuer) und zu Asche wird (Erde), womit der Kreislauf von neuem beginnt.Mich interessierte besonders der Kreislauf von Gefuhlen: Meditation - Trauer - Angst - Arger - Freude - (Meditation) usw. Ich dachte mir, dass dieser Kreislauf eine wirkungsvolle emotionale Reise durch ein Musikstuck darstellen konnte. Folglich besteht Evolution aus funf gleichen Abschnitten, die diesen Kreislauf der Gefuhle grob nachzeichnen. Ich habe versucht, die Musik organisch wachsen zu lassen mit moglichst wenig Wiederholungen. Jeder Satz entwickelt sich aus den Elementen vom Ende des vorhergehenden Satzes und das Material der Eroffnung vollendet am Schluss des Werkes den Kreis. Evolution est une commande de l'institut Kunstfactor pour la 4e division des Championnats neerlandais de Brass Band en 2011. Cette oeuvre est dediee a Jappie Dijkstra et au Music Information Centre (MUI) d'Arnhem, aux Pays-Bas, en hommage a leur role exceptionnel dans le developpement du repertoire pour Brass Band. Le compositeur ecrit :L'idee de cette composition m'est venue alors que je lisais un article sur un aspect de la philosophie chinoise, connu sous l'abreviation de Wu Xing, qu'il est impossible de traduire litteralement mais qui peut signifier, par exemple, cinq elements, cinq phases ou cinq etats de changement. Toute chose dans l'univers est le fruitd'un cycle de creation (ou d'engendrement) et de domination (ou controle). Ce concept est essentiel a tous les elements de la pensee chinoise, y compris les sciences, la philosophie, la medecine et l'astrologie et, en termes simples, il represente les multiples rapports cycliques qui existent entre cinq elements lies a l'univers et a toute chose dans l'univers, donc a l'homme.Evoquons le cycle de la creation : Terre - Metal - Eau - Bois - Feu - (Terre) etc. la terre contient des mineraux, source de metal, le metal peut etre fondu et se liquefie, l'eau arrose et fait pousser les arbres, le bois brule et produit du feu, le feu produit des cendres, une sorte de terre, dans une dynamique cyclique perpetuelle.Parmi tous les cycles existants, celui des emotions eveilla particulierement mon interet : Meditation - Chagrin - Peur - Colere - Joie - (Meditation) etc. et je me suis dit que ce principe cyclique pourrait etre a la source d'un puissant et emotionnel voyage musical. Evolution se compose donc de cinq parties egales qui refletent assez librement ce cycle des emotions. J'ai essaye de faire en sorte que la musique se developpe de maniere fluide et naturelle, avec un minimum de repetitions. Chaque mouvement s'ouvre a partir des elements musicaux qui parachevent le mouvement precedent, tandis que le motif premier reapparait.
SKU: HL.44010988
UPC: 884088637439. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.
SKU: PR.11440909S
UPC: 680160013814.
Each movement has two or three sections which get progressively faster by passing through a metric (or pulse) modulation, like a boat moving through a lock. At these moments of the piece, there is also a color/texture shift from one quartet to the other. The three movements essentially present the same rhythmic theme in different colors. The first movement utilizes only indefinite pitched metal and wood instruments. The second movement presents a repetition and extension of the rhythms in the first movement using definite pitched metal and wood instruments. In this way, the first two movements present the aural equivalent of non-representational (indefinite pitch) and representational imagery (definite pitch) in visual art. Or, to use another visual metaphor, this process of recasting the same material without and with definite pitches is akin to color-izing an image that was originally seen in black and white. The third movement repeats and extends the music of the second, returning to indefinite pitched instruments, all eight players on skins. The movements are not exact rhythmic repetitions of one another. Much of the writing is imitative, canonic, and even fugal at times; it also includes passages of call and response, and hocketing. The main theme is simple and elemental, and the predominant rhythmic patterns are additive, irregular groupings.
SKU: CF.CM9634
ISBN 9781491157060. UPC: 680160915620. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: G major. English, English. Traditional Christmas Spiritual.
Berg's fantastic setting of this beloved American Christmas spiritual for advanced tenor-bass choirs tells a story of hope and meaning. The various textures throughout the a cappella arrangement with solos add much variety and musical interest. A holiday programming must!.This beloved American Christmas Spiritual, like all spirituals and/or folk songs, tells a story. This is a story of hope and meaning. The introductory solo call and response (mm. 1-7) is hymnic in nature, just to get us started. (Think of it as an effective head fake!) The entrance at m. 8 from the upper three voices (we'll call them the trio part henceforth) is pivotal. They set the stage for the conversation between the singers and the soloist for the rest of the song. From this point, the song is basically a Jazz Trio in vocal form. The bass singers take on the role of the cool dude in the back wearing dark glasses and a beret playing the string bass. They provide the driving force for the forward movement of the entire song. The trio part, basically tenors 1 & 2 and baritones, take on the role of the keyboard providing chordal structure and syncopation. Their job is to fill the listener's ear with sound and rhythm. The soloist tells the story using the known melody and text with appropriate improv opportunities to keep the listeners focused on the message of the song. There is enough repetition to make for easy learning, but this also means that the chords need to snap into position cleanly every time. The Verses are easily identified (there are three) and presented with some small variations in Verse 3 (see mm. 56-58...this only happens once). The Refrain (mm. 30-37) is the part of the song where the singers switch from the Jazz Trio role and actually become a Men's Choral Ensemble. This Refrain is repeated after Verse 3 at mm. 66-71. Between verses 2 & 3, there is not a refrain. Instead, there is a bridge repeated from the introductory material, but used this time to move us into a new key signature. This can be a very exciting moment for the singers as well as the listeners! Measures 72-75 is known in the business as a vamp. It can be repeated once and then move on, OR it can be repeated multiple times, depending on the comfort level of the soloist and the response of the audience. It is important that there be a clear signal from the conductor as to how to end the vamp and move effectively to the actual coda of the song. The ending should be sung with tight control that only looks like reckless abandon! Faces bright; words clean; melody clear; rhythms precise! Enjoy.This beloved American Christmas Spiritual, like all spirituals and/or folk songs, tells a story. This is a story of hope and meaning. The introductory solo call and response (mm. 1-7) is hymnic in nature, just to get us started. (Think of it as an effective head fake!)The entrance at m. 8 from the upper three voices (we’ll call them the “trio part†henceforth) is pivotal. They set the stage for the conversation between the singers and the soloist for the rest of the song. From this point, the song is basically a Jazz Trio in vocal form. The bass singers take on the role of the cool dude in the back wearing dark glasses and a beret playing the string bass. They provide the driving force for the forward movement of the entire song.The “trio partâ€, basically tenors 1 & 2 and baritones, take on the role of the keyboard providing chordal structure and syncopation. Their job is to fill the listener’s ear with sound and rhythm.The soloist tells the story using the known melody and text with appropriate improv opportunities to keep the listeners focused on the message of the song.There is enough repetition to make for easy learning, but this also means that the chords need to “snap into position†cleanly every time. The Verses are easily identified (there are three) and presented with some small variations in Verse 3 (see mm. 56-58…this only happens once).The Refrain (mm. 30-37) is the part of the song where the singers switch from the “Jazz Trio†role and actually become a “Men’s Choral Ensembleâ€. This Refrain is repeated after Verse 3 at mm. 66-71. Between verses 2 & 3, there is not a refrain. Instead, there is a bridge repeated from the introductory material, but used this time to move us into a new key signature. This can be a very exciting moment for the singers as well as the listeners!Measures 72-75 is known in the business as a “vampâ€. It can be repeated once and then move on, OR it can be repeated multiple times, depending on the comfort level of the soloist and the response of the audience.It is important that there be a clear signal from the conductor as to how to end the “vamp†and move effectively to the actual coda of the song. The ending should be sung with tight control that only looks like reckless abandon!Faces bright; words clean; melody clear; rhythms precise! Enjoy.
SKU: PR.14440265S
UPC: 680160027910.
The Second and Third Quartets were conceived at the same time; indeed, their composition intermingled, over half of No. 3 being sketched before No. 2 was completed. Accordingly, they share similar material but, like the intertwining blood of cousins, their natures differ: No. 2 being somewhat acerbic and declamatory, No. 3 more lyric and gentler. An annunicatory 'leaping motive' (derived from a motto generated by my name) opens Quartet No. 2 and inhabits the course of the piece as a cyclical binding-force. A five-note motive, usually very deliberate, also keeps recurring like an insistent caller. All three movements are based on tonal centers (I on B and E, II on D, III on C) and the harmonic 'grammar' spoken tends to recall the jazz world of my youth. To hopefully achieve a certain classical ambience was one of the goals of this piece, and all three movements have traditional forms. The first movement is a modified Sonata-Allegro design, with a severely-truncated recapitulation balanced by a lengthy, and decaying Coda. The second movement is a set of strophic variants and an epilogue interspersed with both solo ritornelli and first-movement material (the motto and the five-note motive) in the nature of a fantasia-like 'call-and-response.' It is dedicated to the memory of the American mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani. The third movement is a modified Rondo (ABACBA) which evolves out of the opening motto. All three movements make much use of canonic stretti, similar gestures, and repetition. For example, the climax of movement III's Rondo throws the first movement back at us again, as if the players were reluctant to let it go, so that the entire piece could perhaps be viewed as a single large, extended, Sonata movement, with introduction and Coda.The Second and Third Quartets were conceived at the same time; indeed, their composition intermingled, over half of No. 3 being sketched before No. 2 was completed. Accordingly, they share similar material but, like the intertwining blood of cousins, their natures differ: No. 2 being somewhat acerbic and declamatory, No. 3 more lyric and gentler.An annunicatory ‘leaping motive’ (derived from a motto generated by my name) opens Quartet No. 2 and inhabits the course of the piece as a cyclical binding-force. A five-note motive, usually very deliberate, also keeps recurring like an insistent caller. All three movements are based on tonal centers (I on B and E, II on D, III on C) and the harmonic ‘grammar’ spoken tends to recall the jazz world of my youth.To hopefully achieve a certain classical ambience was one of the goals of this piece, and all three movements have traditional forms. The first movement is a modified Sonata-Allegro design, with a severely-truncated recapitulation balanced by a lengthy, and decaying Coda. The second movement is a set of strophic variants and an epilogue interspersed with both solo ritornelli and first-movement material (the motto and the five-note motive) in the nature of a fantasia-like ‘call-and-response.’ It is dedicated to the memory of the American mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani. The third movement is a modified Rondo (ABACBA) which evolves out of the opening motto.All three movements make much use of canonic stretti, similar gestures, and repetition. For example, the climax of movement III’s Rondo throws the first movement back at us again, as if the players were reluctant to let it go, so that the entire piece could perhaps be viewed as a single large, extended, Sonata movement, with introduction and Coda.
SKU: CF.CM9654
ISBN 9781491157268. UPC: 680160915828. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Ab major. English, English. Julian of Norwich (1342-1416).
Burrows's setting of words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) is as relevant today as ever. For the advanced mixed ensemble, the powerful lyrics coupled with gorgeous harmonies make this an optimistic song of hope appropriate throughout the year.All shall be well, And all shall be well, And all manner of thing shall be well. These words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) are as relevant today as ever. During her life, Julian saw her community devastated by the Great Plague as well as deep civil unrest. Yet through all the turmoil came a vision of hope that has given the world this profound text. One of the most striking features is how this short text incorporates so much repetition. It's as if the writer knew she must be gently persistent in order for her optimistic message to truly sink in. The opening section tries to capture musically some of that persistent optimism. Then there is a departure from this optimistic tone (measure 26) The feel becomes more desperate, building to an anguished cry (measure 38), acknowledging the reality that, while all shall be well, things are very much NOT well right now. Eventually the anguish subsides (measure 52) as the music turns back hopeward with the calm assurance, again and again, that all shall be well.All shall be well,And all shall be well,And all manner of thing shall be well.These words of assurance from the English mystic Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) are as relevant today as ever. During her life, Julian saw her community devastated by the Great Plague as well as deep civil unrest. Yet through all the turmoil came a vision of hope that has given the world this profound text.One of the most striking features is how this short text incorporates so much repetition. It’s as if the writer knew she must be gently persistent in order for her optimistic message to truly sink in.The opening section tries to capture musically some of that persistent optimism.Then there is a departure from this optimistic tone (measure 26) The feel becomes more desperate, building to an anguished cry (measure 38), acknowledging the reality that, while all shall be well, things are very much NOT well right now.Eventually the anguish subsides (measure 52) as the music turns back hopeward with the calm assurance, again and again, that all shall be well.
SKU: SU.80101413
Two Mantras (2017) are dedicated to Felix Brauer. A mantra is a repeated word or phrase, often chanted or sung in the manner of a prayer. These two organ pieces explore the concept musically, each extensively employing repeated patterns: both direct repetition and repetition with small variation. Meditation (In paradisum) is very quiet and extremely serene. Floating harmonies in the hands gradually shift while a slow line in the pedal slowly descends. Postludium (Deo gratias) sets up a perpetual motion toccata through which the harmonies change and are repeated. Instrumentation: Organ Duration: 10' Composed: 2017 Published by: Zimbel Press.
SKU: HL.14030704
The second sonata is on a much larger scale than the first, and has three movements which develop in intensity, reaching a climax in the last movement which is a passacaglia. It is a stormy work, in the sense that it opens peacefully and closes in a similar manner, with a heavy shower of notes and ideas in between. There is little hint of this in the gentle opening of the first movement, and although it follows the pattern of its previous sonata in developing a climax and releasing it again, it is not until the scherzo, with its powerful motor rhythms, that the full fury of the storm breaks. The concluding passacaglia is built on repetition. The nature of the form party makes this inevitable, but repetition becomes a subtext, with the idea of speeding up to a climax being itself repeated, the second time subsiding into the peace of a storm blown out. ~ John Joubert.
