Works

SARUMBA for 2 violins and chamber orchestra (2016)

Commissioned by Lavard Skou Larsen for the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss and The Salzburg Chamber Soloists

Two Solo Violins
Timpani
Percussion
Piano
Strings

Duration: 15 minutes

Like many of my compositions, Sarumba is influenced by natural sounds, infused with the kinetic syncopated rhythms of jazz, rock and world musics. This upbeat double concerto for two violins and chamber orchestra alludes to a quartet of Brazilian rhythms: the Samba, Baião (3+3+2 feel), Rhumba and a hint of the Bossa Nova. With minimalist textures in a neo-classic setting, the sonic design of the work includes frequent 7th, 9th and 13th chords interspersed with modal passages. Both of these elements can be found in Impressionist music as well as modern jazz. The melodic gestures are often presented “in harmony” at the interval of the 7th or 9th, creating a sonic halo around the primary melody. The dissonant octatonic scale (alternating half and whole steps) divides the more consonant pandiatonic gestures which permeate the work. Klangfarbenmelodie in which a melodic gesture is initiated in one instrument or group and completed in another is also present. Toward the end of the piece, a contrasting section in slow tempo ushers in a brief duo violin cadenza that is followed by a lively finale which recalls previously heard material. An extended coda closes the work. Orchestral color is enhanced by the use of Latin percussion instruments including the maracas, congas, timbales, and cabasa.

~ PL

Publisher: Keiser Southern Music
Email: info@laurenkeisermusic.com

Recording: SARUMBA: Music of Peter Lieuwen | Volume 3 MSR CLASSICS - MS 1583

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