Resewn Études (2015)

for flute, bass clarinet, trumpet/horn, violin, viola, and cello - 13'

 

The material for each movement is derived from the Presto of Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001. I love Bach’s works for solo instrument for how they condense multiple lines of counterpoint into a single voice. For this piece I wanted to sort of “un-sew” this fabric back into six voices. Short sequences from the Presto are used as the building blocks to create a diverse collection of succinct studies. I. Accumulating is riffing off the first five measures of the Presto, which clearly presents the tonic and dominant triads. II. Skipping along bounces between counterpoint and klangfarbenmelodie. III. Writhing is about texture. IV. Playful; perpetual slowly unfolds a Bach sequence through a dialogue between violin and trumpet. Finally V. Unhurried; resonant ruminates and cycles through an ever-modulating Bach sequence in a blur of polyrhythm. Resewn Etudes was Premiered by the yMusic ensemble at MotorCo Music Hall in Durham, NC on March 3, 2015.