Full Orchestra - Digital Download SKU: A0.942100 Composed by Apostolos Paraskevas. 20th Century,Contemporary,World. Score and parts. 121 pages. Silver Sickle Publications #6253447. Published by Silver Sickle Publications (A0.942100). Constitution Article 91 (Double Concerto for flute and guitar in one movement). A quite demanding concerto from a technical point of view, unfolds many sonorities for both solo instruments as well as orchestra, including dense texture, polyphony, and a flavor of minimalism just before the end. After an agitated orchestra introduction, the flute enters with a lamenting and painful melody. The guitar takes over by introducing the core motivic elements of the work. Flute and guitar join in a chase-like duet with virtuosic passages in both instruments, accompanied by the orchestra in a frenzied commotion. The slow and almost distorted cadenza (with the snare drum) comes as a surprise and at the same time as a moment of relief. The tension increases as propulsive rhythms drive through the finale and build with rapid agitation to the end. The title of the work, Constitution Article 91, refers to a part of the former Greek constitution used by the dictatorship between 1967 and 1974 to abolish democracy in Greece. Certain rhythms in the work come from a fearsome and agitated speech that the dictator delivered to the academicians in 1973 following the students movement against the tyranny. Constitution Article 91 is a real tour de force for the soloists. In this colorful work, Apostolos Paraskevas shows us that a meeting point can be found between advanced contemporary idioms and evocations of an almost popular style. This music is notable for its rhythmic verve, its melodic grace, and its emotional depth. It has genuine substance, but speaks directly to the listener-a rare and welcome achievement. John Daverio/Musicologist
