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On a Theme of Langlais - (2016)
for harp
Perusing the score for Jean Langlais' Choral in E minor from a collection of ten pieces for organ, the opening harmonic progression suggested this small set f variations on that progression, the first phrase in a longer work. This blind organist was among the composers whose works I have enjoyed ever since an adolescent.
The slow change of pedals to accommodate Langlais' light chromatic changes was extended into arpeggios for the harp to treat the progression with variants. The harp's easy use of enharmonic notation and limitations of its seven strings per octave offer opportunities impossible on standard keyboard instruments.
3 pages, circa 3' 20" - an MP3 demo is here:
The score is 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.
