Identity
Andrew McManus
About this work:
Identity is a work of questioning, circuitous introspection marked by irresolvable conflicts between opposing musical elements. Tensions between triadic tonality and serialized atonality have a single governing 12-tone row as their framework, while incredibly dense, diffuse orchestral textures are pitted against moments of clarity. In addition, the rhythmically unclear conflicts with the mechanical. But with its tortuous, episodic presentation of ideas, Identity can offer no solutions to these conflicts. The result is a highly dramatic and intensely personal work. At the opening, the unusual, diffuse sound of heavily divided strings forms a hazy backdrop to isolated percussive gestures. As this texture approaches controlled chaos, a harsh rhythmic inflexibility emerges. Out of this incessant cacophony emerge the strings, finally united on one pitch. As the mechanical music slowly relents, three muted solo violins surface and elide into a slow string chorale. The string texture expands incrementally as it intensifies, eventually reaching ultimate division as a soft, dissonant cloud. The tonal cataclysm that follows is violently cut off, and Identity closes with nothing but a fading string haze.
Year composed: 2008
Duration: 10:00:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 3 Oboe, 1 Eb Clarinet, 2 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 4 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Strings (General), 1 Harp
Instrumentation notes: Piccolo = Flute 3, Flute 2 = Piccolo 2. A revised version removes Eb clarinet, Piccolo 2 and one percussionist.