To the Portuguese Symphonic Band, its musicians and its artistic director, Francisco Ferreira, in deep friendship and as recognition for their outstanding effort in promoting Portuguese music during this first decade of their existence.
Movements / Parts
I – [Maestoso, sostenuto assai]
II – [Grave]
III – [Con anima]
Instrumentation
Musical Category Band
Instrumentation (general) symphonic band
Premiere
Date 2016/Jul/29
Performer(s)
Portuguese Symphonic Band
Francisco Ferreira · musical direction
Venue Ribeiro Conceição Theatre
Town Lamego
Country Portugal
Notes
(2nd version, three movements)
Program Notes
CHIAROSCURO – three sketches for Symphonic Wind Band (2015-16) structure explores a fast-slow-fast classical arch, where each individual movement deals with distinctive technical-musical concerns. The first explores a process known as metric modulation, where different tempi are chained through metric/metronomic interrelationships at various levels; the second, in total contrast, is static and introspective, with a single and immutable tempo from beginning to end, featuring a long trombone solo, shadowed by the comments of a second muted trombone; lastly, the third, lively and agitated, retrieves the metrical irregularity of the first but in a more dancing manner, with metric alternation almost every bar. In spite of these particularities, CHIAROSCURO is, in essence, an eminently abstract piece whose title is borrowed from the Renaissance painting technique which characterizes by expressive light and shadow contrasts. This work is dedicated to the Portuguese Symphonic Band, its musicians and its artistic director, Francisco Ferreira, in deep friendship and as recognition for their outstanding effort in promoting Portuguese music during this first decade of their existence.
