Aurolucent Circles
Margaret Brouwer
About this work:
Written for Evelyn Glennie, Aurolucent Circles was inspired by images of floating in the dark space of the night sky through the aurora (an electrical atmospheric phenomenon consisting of luminous meteoric streamers, bands, hazy curtains, and streamers of light in the night sky). Instrumental sounds, that seem to be lucent and shining, circle around the stage imitating the aurora. The solo percussionist portrays an array of images, from delicate sparks and streaks and hazy glows, to loud rumbles, roaring pops, flashes and bright electricity. In delicate sections, the soloist is often accompanied by a concertino group consisting of 2 flutes, 2 harps, 2 section percussion, solo strings and 1 trombone or by a concertino of 5 woodwinds. Lyrical and intimate sections of either solo percussion, or solo accompanied by concertino players are contrasted with loud drum solos accompanied by full orchestra.
The first movement begins with images of drifting into deep space, passing through delicate, hazy or sparkling timbres and textures, and flashy, bright, full orchestral sections. A lyrical and mysterious melody between the soloist and trombone introduces the second theme. Driving forward, the movement ends with fast, telescoping patterns of notes grouped according to the Fibonacci number series.The second movement is a dance of color and motion. Beginning with the soloist and gradually including the center concertino group, it is alive with the sound and visual motion of bells ringing. In addition, sometimes the sound begins in one part of the stage and floats or swings to another. Sometimes, in full orchestral sections, the sound sweeps from side to side of the stage in a waltz-like motion. The third movement is a quick-moving perpetual motion that begins with a five-note rhythmic motive circling around the back and sides of the stage between the orchestral percussionists. The soloist interrupts with a drum solo that leads to an interaction with the woodwind concertino. This is contrasted with sections of bright, full orchestral sound. Continuing in non-stop forward motion throughout, the rhythm develops and pummels to the end through further use of the Fibonacci series.
Year composed: 2002
Duration: 00:30:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Orchestra with Soloist(s)
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 1 Flute, 1 Alto Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 3 Percussion (General),1 Percussion (General) soloist(s), 1 Strings (General), 14 Violin, 4 Viola, 3 Cello, 1 Double bass, 2 Harp
Instrumentation notes: Optional 4th and 5th percussion