Music and Texts of GARY BACHLUND
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Concerto in E flat for Piano and Orchestra - (2018)
The work opens with the 6/8 rhythmic motor in timpani, and initial statement of the harmonic scheme as in the strings initially..
Thereafter the piano takes up the harmonic theme in arpeggios at the doppio movimento as the other voices sing out an aggressive counter melody.
A second theme at the presto is accompanied in 3/4 meter by punctuated gestures restating the harmonic scheme many times over, first with the violas and celesta, and then with piano bravura.
An duple meter adagio follows, begun with the piano in muted tones, hushed dynamics and expressive character, first alone, then with the addition of the solo violin, and thereafter with additional strongs.
The adagio continues with all the voices taking up the theme, as the solo piano decorates with its commentary.
Returning to the opening 6/8, a fugue subject is stated in the violins, supported by pizzicati violas. The answer is given at the fifth initially in the lower strings, with subsequent restatements in several tonal domains. The themes interweave in a more complex texture.
The fugue is interrupted, as the piano takes a moment of introspection and a look back at the harmonic schemes, before restating the fugue subject of this final movement in the tonic, the celesta answering, then timpani and finally the massed strings.
The work ends in a forceful unison for the entire ensemble..
65 pages, circa 18' 15" - an MP3 emulation of the work is here:
The score and parts are available as a free PDF download, though any major commercial performance or recording of the work is prohibited without prior arrangement with the composer. Click on the graphic below for this score.
Concerto in E flat for Piano and Chamber Orchestra
