Moving in to an Empty Space (voice & piano)
William Susman
About this work:
Composed for the Beaumont Ensemble which consisted of Joan Nagano-piano, Sara Ganz-voice, Gregpry Dufford-clarinet, and Bill Klinglehoffer-french horn. First performed in 1992 at Old First Concerts in San Francisco.
Much of Susman's music of the 90s and beyond explore the repetitive rhythms heard in Afro-Cuban music. One such gesture is the montuño a repeated syncopated line or obligato often assigned to the piano which outlines the harmonic structure. Susman also uses medieval rhythmic and counterpuntal devices called hocket and isorhythm.
The text are three poems by the composer's sister Sue Susman. The excerpt here entitled "Hot Time" is the first song in this three part song cycle. It is a rhythmically charged movement depicting big city street and night life.
Version: Voice & Piano
Year composed: 1992
Duration: 00:10:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Solo Voice with Keyboard
Instrumentation: 1 Piano, 1 Mezzo-Soprano
Instrumentation notes: The vocal part can also be sung by a tenor.