Trentadue: Conversations
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Josh Trentadue
- Format: Score & Set of Parts
- Instrumentation: Clarinet, Harp
- Work: Conversations (2018)
- Size: 8.9 x 12.0 inches
- Pages: 13
Description
Conversations was commissioned by clarinetist Michelle Myers for her final undergraduate performance recital at Michigan State University. Michelle strove for me to create a work that, while dark and gritty at times, ultimately contained a sense of inner beauty and contrasting moods. To accomplish this, she shared with me a playlist of music she was inspired by to help set this dark tone. From this list, I began to realize that, while it showcased an eclectic range of each artists' unique and independent styles, these musicians all spoke about the same raw and dark emotions. in turn, this reminded me of some of the artists and composers I'm inspired by that have, at some point in their career, also portrayed these inner conflicts, each through their own means. I began to wonder what could it possibly be like if these different groups met and collaborated together on new music, each portraying the same emotions but adding their own unique musical traits to the mix, sparking debates and discussions through an infinite amount of possibilities.
Conversations takes its inspiration from this core, visceral idea, literally and figuratively conjuring up musical conversations between the duet as well as within the essence of the piece itself. The original version of this piece was divided into three separate movements. However, after working with Michelle and Natalie Pate (the harpist) on this piece for the better part of a year, I came to realize that the musical ambitions I initially had could ultimately be fulfilled in its first movement. After numerous revisions and other Minor corrections, the revised (and final) version of Conversations is its original first movement.
This piece is inspired by the hard-driven melodies of the alternative metal band Evanescence as well as the complex meters and rhythms of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Both the clarinet and harp engages in playful banter with each other, separated by darker and more sinister fragments akin to a music box playing off in the distance. The ending of Conversations also suggests this, perhaps leading to even more musical (and spiritual) conversations in other places.
I cannot thank Michelle enough for this fantastic opportunity, and it has been a tremendous joy to be able to work with both her and Natalie in every step of the compositional process.
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.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
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
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
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
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
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.
Trentadue: Conversations
