EFB344D7-29FB-422C-A6BC-6ACDD73A8B78

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IDEFB344D7-29FB-422C-A6BC-6ACDD73A8B78
TitlecodeR00188
Title NameStill Life with Bell
Marketing CopyCommissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group. Dedicated to and premiere conducted by Steven Stucky.
InstrumentationFlute(d Piccolo), English Horn, B-flat Clarinet(d Bass Clarinet), Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion(1), Piano, String Quintet
CommissionCommissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesTo get some idea of the piece in advance, imagine (as I did) a Cubist still life by Picasso, Braque or Gris, in which objects are arranged, reconstructed and juxtaposed in a very active way. Notice in a distant corner of the work a bell, barely sketched, left incomplete, yet somehow central to the meaning of the composition even though it is a small detail in its overall effect. This bell imparts, possibly, an elegiac quality to the canvas, though its presence is never strongly felt. Other objects in the composition may support this elegiac tone, while still others may suggest far different qualities. Still Life with Bell has a number of musical ideas that interact and recur in various ways during the course of a single 15-munute movement. While the first part of the piece is extensively intercut in an almost cinematic way, the final section settles into a single unified groove. --Donald Crockett
Title Brand2
Year Composed1990
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration15
Ensemble Size13
Date Created2008-10-31 20:31:21.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:31:21
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text Author(not set)
Premier Performance Memo(not set)
Recording Credits(not set)
Review"...Crockett sets forth bright, angular fragments of Stravinskian neo-classicism and motoric energy. The writing relaxes into nostalgic serenity but soon returns to its playful, syncopated personality. Hints of jazz pop up in the piano part, and numerous quiet details--taps on wood blocks--suggest the tableau of the title..."--Donald Rosenberg, The Cleveland Plain Dealer<BR><BR>

"...Still Life with Bell in which rhythmic energy a la Stravinsky melds with motivic figures that are disassembled and glued together into a colorful, bubbling fabric. Crocket employs subtle percussion effects in contrast to colorful massed textures..." <BR>--Donald Rosenberg, The Pittsburgh Press<BR><BR>

"...The rhythmic vitality of this relatively objective music made for an invigorating experience..." <BR>--Mark Kanny, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Awards(not set)
Title Category2
Title Movements(not set)
Title Grade(not set)
Set Series ID(not set)
Title Instrument Category TextLarge Chamber Ensemble
Title Sub Category Text(not set)
Title Sub Category-1
Title Instrument Header25
Title Grade Text(not set)
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