Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1471113 Composed by Robert A. Howard. 20th Century,Chamber,Contemporary,Folk,Instructional. 25 pages. Robert A. Howard #1048757. Published by Robert A. Howard (A0.1471113). Mirage Sextet is a single movement work, and is scored for a mixed chamber ensemble of clarinet (in A), bassoon, piano, violin, viola and cello. The work focuses on an exploration of the octatonic scale on C, in the semitone-tone variant. The piece has a loose ternary feel, as the outer sections present primary material and main themes that recur. Meanwhile, a middle section offers some contrast in a succession of mini cadenza-style solos for most of the instruments. The work develops 20th century folk-influenced idioms, such as those of Bartok, Kodaly, early Lutoslawski and Ligeti, as well as Stravinsky, Shostakovich and perhaps even Messiaen. The main compositional interests are: changing, as well as irregular, time signatures; the aforementioned octatonic scale to create folk-like motifs and melodies, added-note harmonies (with the importance of the augmented fourth interval); and percussive doublings of instruments in their lower (gritty/folky) registers, in octaves, as well as liberal actual doubling by the piano. The work is generally accessible to performers and audience. The attached document is the score only, with audio for reference.Duration: 8 minutes.Registered with PRS (Performing Rights Society, UK).Composer's website: www.roberthowardmusic.co.uk
