Metaphorical comment:
The sound procession goes along its way;
someone leaves forward;
others turn in the party, are located, run across each other road,
pursue one another;
one guy imagines, that he conducts them; others trust him;
the inertia does not allow to be grouped in time;
- temporary associations, walking in one rhythm; -
no doubts;
exaltation;
rest;
fragments of broken object;
mystical vision;
singing;
fading of energy;
barracking, whisper, rustling...
Do we realize absurdity and inevitability of this marching?
Technical comment:
The piece is written in free atonal technique. It is characterized
by irregular rhythm, mostly polyphonic texture, moderate using of new
techniques of sound production, various types of articulation and sound
emission. The initial structures are developed almost without interruption
towards climax section, after which music gradually calms down. Strong
emotional tension is mixed here with some elegancy, as well as concerto
style that gives the musicians a chance to show their virtuosity.
Thankful comment:
Cortège (1st version) is dedicated to the Stockholm Saxophone
Quartet. This excellent
ensemble performed the piece for the first time at the 5th International
Contemporary Music Festival Contrasts in Lviv, Ukraine, in October 1999.
An alternative version for clarinet quartet was made on suggestion of Latvian clarinet quartet Quattro Differente.
Alexander Shchetynsky
© 2000 by Alexander Shchetynsky