Product Description
CONCERTINO, for Clarinet, Mandolin, and Orchestra
CONCERTINO was officially commissioned in 2011 by the Geneva Chamber Orchestra. The composition explores the sound combination of two, seemingly opposing, instruments and sound characters: the clarinet and the mandolin. Thus, the three-movement work is a short double-concerto for clarinet and mandolin, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The first movement, titled "Psalm 148" and is a mixture of a coronation fanfare and a wild improvisatory-like dance. The music is based on the structure and ideas expressed in the 148th Psalm. For the transformation of this Psalmodic text into music I was concerned with two elements: first, the linguistic pulse of the ancient Biblical Hebrew gives the music its ever-changing meters and vibrant rhythms. The second element was the poetic concept presented in the text: Heaven vs. Earth, Universe vs. Planet, or Heights vs. Depths. The contrasting nature of these elements is described in the following verses:
"Hallelujah, Praise ye the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the heights." (Psalm 148, verse 1)
"Praise the LORD from the earth, ye sea-monsters, and all deeps." (Psalm 148, verse 7)
Finally, both Heaven and Earth join in praise together: "Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven." (Psalm 148, verse 13)
The musical expression of these contraries is reflected and the use of high-range and soprano instruments (flutes, clarinet, trumpets, violins) versus low-range instruments (trombone, bassoons, cellos and basses.)
The second movement, "Romacero Viejo" (and old love song) is a slow, lyrical dirge-like melody in a Sephardic Judeo-spanish style. In this movement the mandolin plays in the manner of an Oud a traditional pear-shaped Arabic lute. The harmony sits mostly on a single pedal note while the clarinet imitates the chant with rhythmically free ornatmental patterns.
The third and final movement, "Allegro con brio," is a festive klezmer dance with a traditional Bulgar (or Freylech) rhythm, where the regular 8/8 meter is constantly divided into the irregular count of: 3+3+2. In the middle of this movement the two soloists play a cadenza, which allows them to present their contrasting yet complementary instrumental characters. The movement is titled "The Geneva Bulgar" in honor of the City of Geneva and the wonderful memories I have been carrying with me ever since my time there as a young student at the Conservatoire de Musique.
Total duration: ca. 23 min.
Performance material by rental only! For demo recording, questions, or any additional information please e-mail Ofer Ben-Amots at: thecomposerspress@gmail.com
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