An Often Fatal Malady
Bruce J. Taub
About this work:
An Often Fatal Malady is dedicated to Edwin London and was commissioned by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. This piece is a sequel to my composition, Of the Wing of Madness which they performed in 1986. The title of this piece is the same as the title of a play by Edward Gallardo although it is not related to the play in any other way. I felt that the title was particularly evocative and appropriate since musical decisions are 'often' determined by 'fate.'
Composing,
Can Sometimes be
an often fatal Malady.
The piece consists of four symmetrical sections of equal length followed by a very brief coda. Each section is a developmental variation of the preceding section (including some literal repetition). The first section slowly builds to a climax by adding more and more contrapuntal voices to the texture beginning in the lowest register and expanding to include the highest. The second section begins at the climax and slowly dissipates by subtracting voices as the register contracts to only the highest. The third section, like the first builds to a climax in the same way, but begins in the highest register and expands to include the lowest. Similarly the fourth section dissipates (like the second) and the register contracts to only the lowest. The percussion and the piano (which is used as a percussion instrument almost entirely in this piece) play rhythmic ostinatos that fade in and out at irregular intervals. An Often Fatal Malady is published by C.F. Peters Corporation.
Year composed: 1990
Duration: 00:15:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Chamber Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Horn in F, 1 Trumpet, 1 Trombone, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 4 Violin, 2 Viola, 2 Cello, 1 Double bass