Dismantled Embankments
for ten instruments - (1.1.1.0-0.1.0.0-1perc.pf-1.1.1.1.0)
Commissioned by SONAR New Music Ensemble for their RADARLab Composition Competition
Premiere: SONAR New Music Ensemble, Robert Baker, conductor
April 18, 2015 - First Unitarian Church - Baltimore, MD
Duration: 8.5'
Winner of SONAR New Music Ensemble's RADARLab Composition Competition
Commissioned by SONAR New Music Ensemble for their RADARLab Composition Competition
Premiere: SONAR New Music Ensemble, Robert Baker, conductor
April 18, 2015 - First Unitarian Church - Baltimore, MD
Duration: 8.5'
Winner of SONAR New Music Ensemble's RADARLab Composition Competition
Dismantled Embankments is a journey through the different musicological theories that have developed in regards to the intent behind Couperin's Mysterious Barricades. Due to the ambiguous nature of the mysterious barricades, a great variety of theories have arisen over the years in order to explain Couperin's vague title, ranging from the difference between God and Man to Couperin's shifts in harmony to women's underwear and chastity belts. Dismantled Embankments attempts to take the original material from Couperin's Mysterious Barricades and put it through the filters of these different musicological explanations. After a short introduction (presenting the Mysterious Barricades in direct quotation), the ensemble quickly encounters the first 'barricade,' the difference between the Past, Present, and the Future. Then the second barricade arrives. This theory proposes that the Mysterious Barricades are in fact the masks that one would wear to a masquerade, eliminating the ability for anyone to recognize exactly who they are dancing with. After this, the third (and final) barricade comes forth: the seemingly insurmountable distance implicit in unrequited love. Dismantled Embankments should be presented along with its companion piece, the accompanying arrangement of Couperin's Mysterious Barricades for alto flute, bass clarinet, vibraphone, viola, and cello. This piece (as well as the Couperin arrangement) was written for, and is dedicated to the SONAR New Music Ensemble.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
- March 17, 2017 - Peabody Modern Orchestra - Friedberg Hall, Peabody Institute - Baltimore, MD
- April 18, 2015 - SONAR New Music Ensemble - First Unitarian Church - Baltimore, MD