w18983
| Title | Tilting Windward |
| Contributors |
Gareth Clemson aka CHEZZ (composer) |
| Composition date | 2002 2002 |
| Duration (mins) | 0 |
| Category | orchestra |
| Instrumentation | 2222 / 422+10 Perc Str |
| Commissioned by | |
| Key signature | |
| First line | |
| First performed | |
| Notes | |
| Programme Note | Tilting Windward began life as a wind quintet which was completed in June 1983. It has had one private performance since then. Yielding to some inner compulsion, the composer decided to orchestrate the piece, this version being completed Tuesday 26 February 2002 under the new title of Tilting Windward, a reference to its wind quintet origin. Apart from using the larger orchestral palette, very little of the original has been changed. Formally, the work falls into four clearly defined sections, planned as an organic whole, and based on a 17 note theme, 5 of which form a motto, the chordal version of which is stated in the opening bar. This reiterated chord occurs at intervals throughout the piece. Melodically, it can be heard used imitatively in the final section. The use of a 17 note theme, with inversion and retrograde, is treated much more freely than in true serial technique. It is better to regard such a theme as a melting pot into which the composer dips as his musical imagination takes hold. It is worth noting that the repeated chord is marked 'senza misura' - without a regular beat- a feature of the original quintet. Aleatoric passages in free time, suggesting a kind of chaotic abandonment, also a feature of the original, are retained, but this time, each group of woodwind, brass and strings are given a turn. The cadenza-like passages for the flute and melodic prominence of oboe and clarinet are also retained. A new addition is the presence of the xylophone, the clattery precision of which appeals to the composer and seems to suit the work. Tilting Windward is very concise, lasting around 14 minutes in performance. |
This work is associated with the following collection items:
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