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Suite for Harmonium and Piano - (2017)
for Marilyn Barnett, Studienleiterin
Staatsoper Unter den Linden
After seeking a harmonium to add to the orchestra's collection, a Victor Mustel harmonium became available, in need of restoration. With some many months of considering what a fine chamber music instrument this is, and surveying some of the fine literature written for it, the thought to compose a suite came to mind.
The work is a true duet, neither playing solely an accompanying role. The harmonium part is without those annotations which various composers a century ago would add indicating registrations. With many different makers and various configurations, it is best to rely on the harmonium player's knowledge of a given instrument to make from among the choices tasteful, effective registrations.
In a first movement, marked andante, arpeggios in the piano outline a harmonic succession with the solo lines of the harmonium over it. Later roles reverse, and the complexity of their roles increase.
The second is a caccia of sorts, marked presto ma non troppo, as the instruments exchange "sides" across the tonic and dominant regions.
The third marked largo is lyrical as a minimalist chord succession underpins a solo line in the harmonium.
The fourth and final movement is a fugue with both instr7ments stating the subject, moving through related regions and to a stretto of three voices separated at the quarter noted. A last reminiscence of the opening echoes to a quiet last cadence.
23 pages, circa 15' 00" - 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.
