Higdon: On a Wire
Expected to ship in 2-3 weeks.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Jennifer Higdon (1962-)
- Instrumentation (this edition): Piano Reduction, Chamber Ensemble
- Originally for: Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble
- Work: On a Wire
Description
Instrumentation for Soloist: Flute/Piccolo/Alto Flute in G, Clarinet in Bb/Bass Clarinet in Bb, Violin/Viola, Cello, Marimba, Piano
Instrumentation for Orchestra: 2, 2, 2, 1 + contra; 4, 3, 2, 1; 2 perc; strings
Program Notes:
Writing a concerto for one soloist and orchestra is a bit of a balancing act…so imagine throwing in 5 more soloists. "On A Wire" is 8th Blackbird's high‐wire‐act‐of‐ a concerto. Having already written 2 chamber works for this group, I am familiar with their ability to do all sorts of cool things on their instruments, from extended techniques, to complex patterns, to exquisitely controlled lyrical lines. I also admire the pure joy that emanates from their playing, no matter the repertoire. Written as a one‐movement work, it highlights the group as an ensemble, allows each member to solo, and utilizes some of their unique staging: the players move about and perform beyond their respective primary instruments (the work begins with bowed piano). So imagine 6 blackbirds, sitting on a wire…
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