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BRITTLE RELATIONS by Peter Graham is an opportunity for a variety of solo instruments - Violin, Viola, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax or Piano solo. A delicate, poignant, tonal descriptive composition which provides new String colors supporting either a String or Woodwind soloist, weaving a sound fabric which is refreshing to the ear. Being inspired by John Cage, this work is a cohesive blending of natural sound colors the composer achieves so easily his own sound imagery. An opportunity for a variety of solo instruments —violin, viola, flute, oboe, clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax or piano solo. Solo Instrument and String Orchestra. Set of Score and Parts. Grade: 5 Duration: 4:57
Performance Notes are in the Resources tab.
Brittle Relations (score1978.pdf, 134 Kb) [Download]
Performance Notes
Brittle Relations should be played in the performance style of early music, i.e. with minimum vibrato, light bow pressure, etc. The sound should remind one of early English consorts, not of common 20th century string orchestras.
This piece is based upon the cantus firmus derived from John Cages’s Cheap Imitation. It is a work conceived as a sophisticated one-part reduction of Erik Satie’s Socrates.. In Brittle Relations, a hypothetic harmonization of Cage’s melody is used but shortened by chance operations, therefore, the concept of brittle relations emerged between these three pieces.
The editor has taken the liberty to expand the original solo violin voice to viola as well as to other wind instruments, thereby creating interesting timbres with the string orchestra. Never-the-less, to make this lovely work available and applicable to other solo voices will certainly enhance the popularity of this unique composition. As Mr. Graham achieves his own sound imagery, other instrumentalists welcome the opportunity to participate in his uniqueness. Play the grace notes as short as possible..
The editor has also taken the liberty to substitute enharmonic equivalents to provide greater ease for the performers.