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Composer: Howard Jones Title: Four Miniatures Instrumentation: Four Miniatures for 4-part instrumental ensemble Duration: 5 minutes Difficulty: Harder Technical Issues: The pieces contains some difficult rhythms in all four movements, either across the beat, or across other parts. Each movement has its own distinctive character. Programme note: The four movements are: 1. Intrada 2. Pastoral 3. Skirl 4. Carillon These four short pieces were written in 1998, in response to a COMA call for pieces with non-specific instrumentation. Each part can be played on any instruments which possess the appropriate range. The principle of interchangeable instrumentation is, of course, nothing new, and indeed was common practice in the sixteenth century, when music often used to be performed by whatever combination of instruments and voices could be mustered for the occasion. The suite lasts around 5 minutes altogether. The 'Intrada' is strongly rhythmic and declamatory; 'Pastoral' is serene and meditative whilst 'Skirl' is a lively scherzo-like movement. The final movement, 'Carillon' celebrates the cacophonous clangour of pealing bells. Availability:From the composer |
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