|
The Abode of Joy This CD features pieces which were originally scored for acoustic instruments. Here they are transcribed for my first mid computer music system. The Abode of Joy is a new name I have to my String Quartet No.2 The piece is articulated here by glockenspiels, which bring clarity to the individual parts. The first movement is a whirlwind, the second movement is more playful, the third movement is reflective, and the final movement is based on a medieval folk melody. Spring Rains (vibraphones) is the second composition I ever wrote. It was originally for solo piano. It began as a theme and variation assignment in my senior year of high school in a composition class taught by Rollan Masciarelli, someone who did no less than inspire me to be a musician. (I write about Rollan in the autobiographical statement linked to the homepage of azuremilesrecords.com) I developed the original opening ideas into three different movements. Promenade des Tortues (clarinet and clavichord) is the first composition I ever wrote, originally scored for clarinet and piano. This was composed and performed by my sister, Julie, and myself on piano, in tenth grade. One day, I was passing by the piano at home, and an impulse compelled me to sit down and play the unusual bass voice ostinato which opens the work. The clarinet part is highly melodic and Eastern sounding, anticipating my later involvement with ragas. I had the opportunity to work on this piece with Adele Burke, who was a visiting composer in residence. She was a great inspiration. West Maui Mountains (vibraphone) was originally for solo cello. It was inspired by one the most majestic sights in all of nature. Cold Snows of A Dream (vibraphones) was composed for chamber orchestra. The title comes from a poem by Yeats. There are three distinct sections within the piece. Three Pieces (glockenspiels) was written for String Quartet. Each short piece is at a different tempo, with it’s own personality. - Michael Robinson, Lahaina, December 2000 © 2000 by Michael Robinson |