Nearo
Andrew Cole
About this work:
Nearo means narrow or close in Anglo-Saxon. In this sense I see the title as a metaphor describing my
current aesthetic in regards to harmonic implications and motion. The piece is built around a series of 7
chords containing between 4 and 9 notes. While the chords and chord changes often have a semblance
of tonality, the motion is almost entirely non-functional. The implied tonal center is continuously
shifting around groups of clusters, often emphasizing different notes in the same chord. The chords are
continuously re-orchestrated and slowly merge with one another to create the impression of continuous
suspension and chromatic motion. In essence, my goal was to create a constantly shifting sense of tonal
suspension, where any harmonic motion gives the appearance of a definite teleological goal, that is
rarely achieved.
Version: 2
Year composed: 2007
Duration: 00:10:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Guitar (Classical/Acoustic)