Sohn: The Magnitude of Verticality
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Nicky Sohn
- Instrumentation: String Sextet (2 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos)
- Work: The Magnitude of Verticality (2025)
- ISMN:
Description
Duration: 22'
The Magnitude of Verticality was commissioned by BalletCollective in collaboration with choreographer Alysa Pires and visual artist Linn Meyers.
In our early conversations, we kept returning to BalletCollective's theme this year: Echoes of the Invisible. We explored the unseen forces that shape our lives— both literal and metaphorical. These ranged from the microscopic (pathogens, bacteria, atoms) to the technological (AI, digital networks), and to the ineffable effects of history and memory that ripple through the present.
From these discussions emerged the idea of gravity: a force so constant and omnipresent that it becomes nearly invisible to us, yet it grounds and defines every movement. for me, this force also became a metaphor for the creative process. Working with Alysa and Linn, I felt an artistic kind of gravity—an anchoring presence of trust and inspiration that is rare for a composer, whose work is often solitary.
The music of The Magnitude of Verticality traces gestures shaped by gravity's pull: swirling, floating, reaching upward, surrendering downward. These musical forms mirror the paradox of living within a force that never changes, while our responses to it—our resistance, acceptance, or flight—are endlessly varied.
I am deeply thankful to Alysa for her trust and for choosing to work with me on this special project.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
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Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
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Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
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With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Sohn: The Magnitude of Verticality
