Tann: From Afar
Expected to ship in 2-3 weeks.
- Composer: Hillary Tann (1947-)
- Format: Full Score
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Work: From Afar (1996)
- ISBN:
- Size: 9.5 x 13.0 inches
- Pages: 69
Description
The title, From Afar, most immediately refers to the composer's memory of the four months she spent studying Japanese music near Kyoto in Fall, 1990. Other senses of distance are found in the temporal distances of the few direct references to Japanese music (for example, to the ancient honkyoku for the Japanese vertical bamboo flute, the shakuhachi) and to near and distant spatial densities in the orchestra (echoings and shadowings).
The piece opens with a slow, meditative, introduction (andante declamato) which is dominated by a single line in the trumpets. It then divides into two large wave-shaped sections, each of which begins with propulsive rhythms in the percussion (energico). Each of the large sections is transformed at its climax, somewhat in the manner of the Japanese jo-ha-kyu aesthetic. The first climax dissolves into a lighter interlude (danza), while the second retrieves a previous woodwind-dominated solo line and presents it, ardente e cantabile, with all the warmth of the strings before echoes of the meditative opening return to close the piece.
In writing From Afar the composer's intent was not to transpose Japanese sonorities directly onto the orchestra, rather her concern was to contrast meditative time (as in the opening) with narrative time (as in the danza) and propulsive time (as in the energico sections). A second concern was to contrast more traditional Western orchestral sonorities with a single "landscaped" line inspired by the ancient instrumental traditions of Japan (including gagaku ). – HT
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.
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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.
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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.
