Mixed Percussion B-Flat Tuba,B-Flat trombone,Baritone Horn TC/Euphonium,Bass Trombone,E-Flat Cornet,E-Flat Tenor Horn,E-Flat Tuba TC,Flugelhorn,Percussion 1,Percussion 2,Tenor Trombone - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1488809 Composed by David Woodcock. 21st Century,Classical,Contemporary. Brass Band. 110 pages. David Woodcock #1065660. Published by David Woodcock (A0.1488809). Twin PolaritiesThis work challenges the audience from a musicological perspective. It residescomfortably in two worlds: that of the diatonic system, which is key-centric andhas harmonic parameters, as distinct from the world of chromaticism, whichtranscends the harmonic boundaries of the diatonic playing field. Combined,these two polarities create an inherent pervading ambiguity.The work’s structure could be loosely defined as ABA, with A being spikey andfrenetic using many compositional devices in a unified manner, with powerfulrhythmic motifs. The use of accents on the off beats, the use of slurs, staccato andtenuto and the use of syncopation both within and across the bar, all adds to themaelstrom and energy that pervades this piece. This frenetic energy is enhancedby motifs which are rhythmically augmented. Amongst all the chromaticism, therepeated semiquaver is arresting, simply because it is not chromatic and providesa brief aural respite. The B section has essentially long melodic legato phrases,which are a counterweight to the opening, and the return of the energy of A. Theseemingly innocuous repeated semiquaver ultimately has the final word.One is left with the impression that diatonic or chromatic, legato or staccato, thatsyncopation and accents, are all so much a part of the language of music that theyare both a unifying and fragmenting force which create inseparable polarities.
