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Three Players (1985) |
Three Players was written between August and September 1985. The piece evolved out of a particaly interesting cello technique which I worked on with the cellist Alan Brett during the summer of 1985. It involves the simultaneous playing of the open strings C and G (with the following scordatura: B, C, D flat and F sharp, G, and A flat) and two-part chords (ranging from a minor second to a minor ninth) placed in the high tessitura of the instrument, at times over three octaves away from the pedal note. This produces a vibrant and luminous sonority which with the multitude of overtones, resembles the sound of a string orchestra. The work is composed of an introduction played on the solo cello and eight cycles, each one on the cello alone, centered around a different pedal note. These cycles gradually contract creating an acceleration of activity towards the inevitable climax. The piano and bass clarinet are always present, albeit as a background duo, decorating and elaborating upon the incessant harmonic activity of the cello.
© Simon Bainbridge