Etudes of Mass Destruction
Alvez Barkoskie IV
About this work:
Etudes of Mass Destruction is a set of 2 pieces for 2 flutes and piano. The set earns its title from the rapid passages and large leaps demanded from the performers and reflects the time we are currently living in.
“Ruhig, bewegt” is the second movement of Etudes of Mass Destruction. A folk-like tune pervades the entire piece with a nostalgic calmness. However, the serene melody is frequently interrupted by a much more agitated line, which is drawn from the original tune and varied and mutated. “Fugal Collapse” is based on the octave collapsing in on itself chromatically. Halfway through the piece the theme unfolds from the inside out, expanding, just as it collapsed at the beginning of the piece.
Performers for this recording:
Brian Dunbar, flute; Sara Sunderland, flute; (both movements)
Niki Tilton, piano (Ruhig, bewegt)
Andrew Moedinger and Silviya Mateva (Fugal Collapse)
Year composed: 2007
Duration: 00:12:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 2 Flute, 1 Piano
Instrumentation notes: Movement 2 is a 4 hand piano accompaniment