Pegram: Refraction
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Jules Pegram (1991-)
- Format: Score & Set of Parts
- Instrumentation: Clarinet, Piano Trio (Piano, Violin, Cello)
- Work: Refraction (2012)
Description
Refraction for clarinet, violin, cello, & piano is an evocation of my experience coming out, a personal journey I found just as impactful inwardly as it was socially, and one that steered me from apprehension–often to the point of numbness–towards genuine inner calm, with gratitude & eagerness for what lay ahead. The work is cast in three movements:
I. "Insomnia" opens with a manic exclamation of a dissonant six-note cell, from which nearly all of the ensuing material is derived. Predominately situated in an atonal context, the music here is furious, hard-driving, and relentless. A sense of anxiety pervades, pushing us forward full-throttle until an explosive conclusion drives us off the cliff – an abrupt end to this ‘panic attack' for piano quartet.
II. "Lullaby" is crafted as a stark contrast to "Insomnia." Here, the music is comparatively simple and placid, with a lulling melody supported by mellow harmonic progressions. Solos account for a bulk of the music here, with a special focus on the lyrical, sonorous qualities of the cello, in all its registers. By movement's close we drift off to a restful sleep, our musical pulse rates having finally calmed down.
III. "Awakening" begins with animated, plucked strings and jagged rhythms, leading very quickly to the main theme, a Cuban montuno groove that recurs throughout the movement in a variety of guises. This is perhaps the most optimistic of the three movements, striding confidently along with abundant energy and a carefree spirit.
–Jules Pegram (2012)
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
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
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.
