Meditation & Madness (Euphonuim Quartet, 2007)
Composed: December 2006-January 2007
Duration: ca. 5:45 min
Premiere: June 16, 2007 (International Euphonium Institute 2007; Richard Prior, conductor)
Forces: 3 euphoniums, tuba
NOTES
This short piece scored for 3 euphoniums and tuba was commissioned by Adam Frey for the International Euphonium Institute in June of 2007.
It consists of 2 major parts of about equal duration:
The first movement (”Meditation”) explores the lyrical and melodic qualities of the euphonium and features a chorale-like setting with all four voices moving in counterpoint, alternating in their individual rendering of the main motif and ending in a suspended chord that leads, attacca, into the second movement.
“Madness” is a fast and march-like movement with strong, often syncopated, rhythmic elements that incessantly drive the movement to its grand finale, which includes a brief restatement of the original lyrical theme from the first movement. - A truly fun and challenging piece.