Three short ostinatos (2008; 2.1.2.1/2.2.1/timp.4perc/7.6.3.4.2; 5:53) ![]()
Hunter Symphony Orchestra, Olivier Fluchaire
Lang Recital Hall, Hunter College, New York
Permiere December 11, 2008
1. Glorious and optmistic (2:07)
2. Solid and determined (2:02)
3. Marvelled (1:43)
Excerpt from the program notes:
An ostinato (derived from Italian "stubborn'') is a motif or phrase which is persistently repeated. The repeated idea may be a rhythmic pattern, part of a tune, a complete melody or a harmonic progression. Three Short Ostinatos for Orchestra were written rapidly – within a week – at the invitation of conductor Olivier Fluchaire for this evening's performance. They reflect three different moods and employ a variety of repetitive patterns. The first, “glorious and optimistic” is based on a theme that I had originally written for a marimba sonata. It is stated once at the beginning of the piece by the trumpet and glockenspiel. Two “counter subjects" recall the first theme, but it only reappears in full after a festive intervention of the brass section.
The second ostinato, “solid and determined” opens with a martial feeling, mainly due to the combination of snare drums and timpani. The strings and flutes keep the piece moving as the texture thickens and a counterpoint subject is transferred from one instrumental family to another. Soon, all martial tensions resolve and we are left hanging by a riff on the flutes.
The final movement, “marveled" is a sound tapestry woven with rather unique contrapuntal material. The piece unravels as instruments make their solo entrances and leave the sound mass the same way, on a descending modal scale.