The Tree Serenades
Monica Houghton
About this work:
This work is in seven short movements. The texts are by the composer, and consist of short philosophical or poetic utterances concerning trees. Some sections of the piece are without meter and ask the performers to produce designated types of improvisation. The instrumentalists may choose to perform the vocal parts themselves. The vocal part consists mainly of sprechstimme. A conductor may or may not be necessary, depending on how well the players know each other and the music. The Tree Serenades was named Winner in Region V of the Student Composer Commissioning Competition by ASCAP/SCI in 2003.
Version: for pierrot ensemble plus percussion
Year composed: 2001
Duration: 00:15:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Voice with Chamber/Jazz Ensemble, 6-9 Players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 1 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Violin, 1 Cello, 1 Narrator
Instrumentation notes: flute doubles both piccolo and alto flute; Bb clarinet doubles bass clarinet; percussion instruments are 29" timpano, chimes, crotales, marimba, vibraphone, xylophone; some inside the piano is required; vocalist is optional in case instrumentalists wish to deliver the texts themselves; a conductor is recommended unless the performers have time to become familiar with the piece.