On Four
Faye-Ellen1 Silverman
About this work:
Written for the group Four for Now (James Ostryniec [oboe/English horn], Nyle Steiner [on Electronic Valve Instrument, which he invented], Faye-Ellen Silverman and Vladimir Ussachevsky [piano four hands]) formed to perform at the Bourges Festival, “On Four” is in two movements. The first, entitled “Oppositions”, begins with the EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) and the two pianists opposing the oboe/English horn player. This opposition is established in the introduction, and is used to set off an English horn solo. About halfway through the main part of the movement, the English horn and EVI reverse roles, leading to an EVI solo that begins with the material of the previous English horn solo. A short coda recalls the introduction.
The second movement, “Couplings”, intertwines changing pairs of instruments. Within the three main sections – the second and third of which have tempi related to the first movement – there are interruptions, as one couple usurps to place of the other. There are also seductions, leading to new pairings, until all four instruments finally join together.
Year composed: 1983
Duration: 00:11:33
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 1 Oboe, 2 Piano, 1 MIDI Wind Instrument
Instrumentation notes: oboe doubles English horn, pianists share one piano (four hands), Electronic Valve Instrument is used