THE CLEARING WAY
Sorrel Hays
About this work:
THE CLEARING WAY is for contralto, chorus and orchestra, commissioned by the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. The text is based on a Native American ritual song for clearing the house after someone has died, so their spirit may depart and someone else inhabit the house. The composer wrote the music as a prelude to the end of the 20th century. The preiere performance was sung by Lisa Monheit, conducted by Vakhtang Jordania.
Year composed: 2003
Duration: 00:12:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Orchestra with Soloist(s)
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 1 Alto Saxophone, 2 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 1 Percussion (General), 8 Violin, 6 Viola, 6 Cello, 4 Double bass, 1 Alto, 1 S, 1 A, 1 T, 1 B
Instrumentation notes: The orchestral texture is thick, and the soloist might use a microphone, unless hall acoustics are exceedingly good.