It Fama Per Urbes ["Rumor traverses the Cities"]
David Hahn
About this work:
it Fama per urbes ["Rumor traverses the cities"] is a single-movement sonata for solo classical guitar. It is divided into three internal sections: moto perpetuo, lento, and a scherzo-like finale. The pieced is based on two different modes or scale patterns which gives the impression of constant and fundamental disagreement.
The sound of the piece reminded me of the personification of "Rumor" which appears in the famous fourth book of Vergil's Aeneid. This powerful figure flies about indiscriminately sewing lies, turning fortunes, and destroying lives. "Rumor" or "Fama" (the cognate, although different in meaning, being "Fame") has an apt analogy in today's superfluity of images and information which, more often than not, irresponsibly direct our minds and opinions.
it Fama per urbes is dedicated to guitarist Cem Duruöz.
Premiere: Cem Duruöz, San Francisco Guitar Society, San Francisco, CA, 1999.
Year composed: 1998
Duration: 00:05:00
Ensemble type: Solo instrument, non-keyboard:Guitar (Classical/Acoustic)
Instrumentation: