A tonal piece based on an unusual mode inspired by Peter Mennin.
It was more a technical exercise but not being as clever as Mennin I had to reject all but the slow movement (submitted here). It's also more true to the mode.
The atmosphere has a 'lost.ness' about it probably because the mode can't be resolved easily.
It pits a string orchestra muted throughout against unmuted string soloists.
If you can give it a listen many thaks and any comment would be appreciated.
Symphonic movement 091224-192.mp3
Symphonic Movement w cover 2024-12-09 score.pdf
Replies
I've never heard of Peter Mennin, so I looked him up. It seems he was fascinated by the Locrian mode. Is that what you used? I'm not analyzing the score, though—being a retiree, I'm entitled to a bit of laziness.
Many thanks for your comment and listening. Yes, the Locrian and like Mennin I put triads on each other the notes which accounts for the "major" sounding cadences VI-II in this mode.
I'm still fond of Mennin's work. If anyone tempted me toward formal structure throughout a movement, he's the one!
Cheers and happy New Year, Ivor
this could be regarded as almost an anti-Christmas piece. It's both lonely and rather disturbing at the same time -- much as many people actually experience the season as opposed to how we're all supposed to be jolly.
Thank you, David, for listening and your comment. You seem to have felt the mood. It isn't one of my "usual" moods personally but it actually leaves me empty when I listen to it. Frankly, I'm surprised it worked out at all which is more than I can say for the 1st and 3rd movements.
I hope you had a pleasant, convivial Christmas. We here had a quiet one, watching Cirque du Soleil on telly more than the standard, repetitive Christmas fare! Put the composer hat on the hat stand for the few days.
Happy new year,
Ivor
no telly allowed where I was for Xmas but the first thing watched when getting back was "Servant of the People" (Sluga naroda) which reminded me Zelensky actually used to be really funny. My composer hat will probably remain on the stand until I get my computer back.