Partita for Violin & Piano
Zhou Long
About this work: (Published by Oxford University Press)
Commissioned by violinist Hong-Ying Ho.
Premiered in Hong Kong on ÇbÇe December ÇcÇaÇaÇa
Partita for violin and piano consists of four movements inspired by Northern Chinese
folk tunes, including mountain songs and working songs. The first movement opens
with a tranquil, flowing melody built on intervals of fourths and sevenths, typical of
Shanbei mountain-song style. The music gradually becomes more animated and
rhythmic with the violin playing in octaves. The movement ends with a recapitulation
of the adagio opening theme.
The second movement contrasts a lively working song motif in the lower register
with a more lyrical melody in the higher register. The music starts allegro and ends
an energetic presto.
The third movement opens with the piano playing in parallel fourths and the violin
echoing in harmonics, simulating the sounds of bells. The violin plays a sweet, songlike
melody set against a shimmering piano accompaniment that gradually becomes
more impassioned. The lyrical melody returns and the movement ends with the
sound of the bells heard at the beginning.
The fourth movement echoes the contrasting thematic motifs heard in the first
movement. The rhythmically dynamic opening combines leaping intervals in the
violin and strong chords in the piano. The tranquil, flowing melody, played by both
instruments, returns in alternating brief interludes. After an extended lyrical section,
the work concludes with a bright allegro vivace burst of energy.
¡XZ.L.
For further information, please contact:
Oxford University Press
Music Department (USA)
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Performance Promotion
Tel: 212-726-6109
Fax: 212-726-6441
Email:
fords@oup-usa.org
Year composed: 2000
Duration: 00:20:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Keyboard plus One Instrument
Instrumentation: 1 Piano, 1 Violin
Instrumentation notes: