Point-Counterpoint (2008)
Duration: 11’
Composed for flute and alto recorder.
Also available for flute and clarinet, flute and oboe, or two flutes.
Movements:
Score excerpt
Premiere:
Tara Nadel, flute / Russell Nadel, alto recorder
Maplewood Park Place, Bethesda, MD.
October 4, 2008
Performers in audio recording:
Tara Nadel, flute / Russell Nadel, alto recorder
Studio recording, Burke, VA
Fall 2008
Program Notes:
Point/Counterpoint is a set of five short two-part compositions, comprising three canons and two inventions. The inventions are written in free counterpoint, with shifting key centers and brief forays into modal territory interspersed throughout. The first invention is more “traditional,” using simpler rhythms and long, singing phrases. The second invention is meant as an homage to the music of the wonderful French pianist and composer Claude Bolling, who wrote exquisite works of counterpoint for solo instruments and jazz combo that combine the techniques and flavors of classical music and jazz.
All three canons are more or less strict until the very end, but I altered the key content and overall flavor of the first and second canons by adding chromatic alterations to the strict pitches, changing some of the intervals and melodic lines in the flute part. Canon #3 features the least amount of chromatic manipulation, and therefore sounds the most “Baroque.” Each canon begins with the recorder and follows with the flute. Lyric Canon #1 is at the third above, with a four-measure delay; gentle, modal Canon #2 is at the second above, with a one-measure delay; and cheerful, peppy Canon #3 is at the unison, with a four-measure delay.
I wrote this work for myself and my fiancée (now wife) to perform. We included Point/Counterpoint as the final track on a CD recording we distributed as a party favor at our wedding. We were married on November 2, 2008, in St. Paul, MN.
— December 2008