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Resurrection (1992) |
2(2picc)2(ca)2(ecl)2(cbn)/2200/perc/strings - 15'
Strong, heraldic fanfare-like phrases open this work and lead into music of great energy for wind and brass over a series of 'pedals'in the strings and percussion. When all the bustle and drama of the first section ends, the cor-anglais begins to emerge as a character of great importance, taking an almost concerto-like role in the passages that follow. As in the wild, for reasons unpercieved by mere humans, one animal or bird may be assaulted and killed by others of its species, so in this music, the cor-anglais becomes the "victim" of the other instruments. Attacked from above and below, it is eventually brought low by the other instruments. A severe and wintry passage follows this "death", but as inevitably as Spring arrives after the cold, dark days of December, so this music turns the corner, bringing gentle sounds of a processional nature which builds up to a climax in which the opening fanfares are heard briefly. Shifting microtonal notes on the flutes and muted trumpets over a tambourine roll suggest the imminence of a significant event, and, supported by glistning string figures, the cor-anglais rises from the grave and is resurrected into the music. The exuberant coda eventually fades away, leaving only the faint noise of metal chimes hanging in the air. 'Resurrection' was comissioned jointly by Newbury Festival and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta for the 1993 Newbury Spring Festival with financial assistance from Southern Arts.
© Diana Burrell