Product Description
Twin Polarities
This work challenges the audience from a musicological perspective. It resides
comfortably in two worlds: that of the diatonic system, which is key-centric and
has harmonic parameters, as distinct from the world of chromaticism, which
transcends the harmonic boundaries of the diatonic playing field. Combined,
these two polarities create an inherent pervading ambiguity.
The works structure could be loosely defined as ABA, with A being spikey and
frenetic using many compositional devices in a unified manner, with powerful
rhythmic motifs. The use of accents on the off beats, the use of slurs, staccato and
tenuto and the use of syncopation both within and across the bar, all adds to the
maelstrom and energy that pervades this piece. This frenetic energy is enhanced
by motifs which are rhythmically augmented. Amongst all the chromaticism, the
repeated semiquaver is arresting, simply because it is not chromatic and provides
a brief aural respite. The B section has essentially long melodic legato phrases,
which are a counterweight to the opening, and the return of the energy of A. The
seemingly innocuous repeated semiquaver ultimately has the final word.
One is left with the impression that diatonic or chromatic, legato or staccato, that
syncopation and accents, are all so much a part of the language of music that they
are both a unifying and fragmenting force which create inseparable polarities.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.