Octet

2014
/
Chamber Works

Details

Category

Chamber Works

librettist

WordS by

instrumentation

Flute (doubling on Piccolo), Clarinet in Bb, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass

duration

8'

commissioned by

premiered by

Purchase Score

People often criticize Mendelssohn for writing too many notes, forcing his performers to saw away for minutes at end in high drama; the same criticism is often leveled at some of the so-called minimalist composers. Like Mendelssohn's work, my own Octet is full of broad gesture, rich textures and narrative sweep, though here combined with a maximalist-minimalist's love of activity, counterpoint, and speed. It also has lots of notes. Central to the work's drama is the combination of a swirling, chromatic flurry with clarion horn calls that pierce the mystery of darkness and, perhaps, herald something more powerful, poignant, and clear.

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Octet

Purchase Score
duration

8'

instrumentation

Flute (doubling on Piccolo), Clarinet in Bb, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass

premiered by

commissioned by

Octet

People often criticize Mendelssohn for writing too many notes, forcing his performers to saw away for minutes at end in high drama; the same criticism is often leveled at some of the so-called minimalist composers. Like Mendelssohn's work, my own Octet is full of broad gesture, rich textures and narrative sweep, though here combined with a maximalist-minimalist's love of activity, counterpoint, and speed. It also has lots of notes. Central to the work's drama is the combination of a swirling, chromatic flurry with clarion horn calls that pierce the mystery of darkness and, perhaps, herald something more powerful, poignant, and clear.

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