Richard Nelson's Play of Light.mov

World premiere performance, 23 September 23, 2011, Advent Library, Boston MA, USA.
Program notes from the Composer, Richard Nelson: Flutist Peter Bloom and I have been friends and musical colleagues for many years, particularly through our shared long-term membership in the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra. So, I was delighted when Peter asked me to write a piece for him and harpist Mary Jane Rupert, providing an opportunity for us to have an artistic collaboration in the concert music realm as well. The resulting "Play of Light" is built around spaciousness, transparency, multi-hued shadings and playful chases. The incorporation of bass flute and piccolo further enhance the inherently rich color possibilities of the flute/harp combination. Drawing on Peter and Mary Jane's creative expertise and my own jazz and improvisation background, the composition leads the players into a substantial section that they complete through improvisation. While they follow signposts on intensity, energy and pitch content that I provide, this practice nonetheless creates an element of intrigue and unpredictability that I value highly. It also assures that each performance of the piece will have a strongly individual profile. Many thanks to Peter and Mary Jane for their hard work in bringing this premiere performance to life.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• New Music
• Flute
• harp
• Peter H Bloom
• Mary Jane Rupert
• chamber music
• Classical
• Church of the Advent

[sjkeyser]

This is absolutely gorgeous, Rick. Beautifully written and beautifully played. Congratulations to you and to Peter Bloom and Mary Jane Rupert.