Subway
Robinson McClellan
About this work:
This semi-dramatic work is about a couple, Julie and Jake, riding home on the New York City subway one afternoon. While sitting together without talking, they see another couple sitting across from them. As they sit and covertly watch the other couple (what else does anyone do on the subway?), Julie and Jake each make observations and assumptions about them which reflect more on their own relationship than on the other couple. Though the other couple is just sitting there quietly, Julie and Jake each project their own insecurities on to them. We learn their thoughts as they each relate the experience later to a third party without the other present. Their monologues are presented parallel with each other in time, so that the differences between their interpretations of the situation are painfully clear.
Though the piece shows both Jake and Julie to be unsure of the other's feelings for them, it also reveals that in truth they adore each other. I guess the motto or subtitle of the piece could therefore be something like "it's ok to say 'I love you'".
Musically, the piece is organized in verse-chorus structure, with each repetition coming back a little differently. I made sure to incorporate some real sounds from the subway, imitated by instruments. New Yorkers of recent vintage may recognize in the violin part the melodic whine made by the new number 2 and 6 trains when they leave a station (sol, fa, mi in ascending 7ths) .
The way the spoken voices align rhythmically with the instruments in certain parts is similar to what I did in "Yitzhak", and should present an interesting challenge to performers. This is the only piece for which I have written both the music and the entire text.
Program note copyright 2003 by Robinson McClellan.
The two files posted here are:
1. Sample score (pp. 1-2)
2. Text in PDF format.
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 00:12:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Two or More Solo Voices with Chamber/Jazz Ensemble 6-9 players
Instrumentation: 2 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Trumpet, 1 Vibraphone, 1 Drum Set, 1 Double bass, 2 Narrator
Instrumentation notes: This piece can be semi-staged or performed as a concert work. The two spoken parts should be youngish, one male and one female.
The 2nd Clarinet doubles Bass Clarinet.