PROGRAM NOTES

PROGRAM NOTES

The title Frozen in Time refers to imaginary snapshots of the earth's geological development from prehistoric times to the present day. Although we cannot be sure what the earth looked like millions of years ago, most scientists agree that the separate continents used to be one mega-continent (as most agree that mankind descended from one prehistoric womb). Each movement imagines the music of a large prehistoric continent at a certain point in time:

2. Eurasia -The second movement is an exploration of the darker sides of the mega-continent of Eurasia where emotions run deep but are kept quiet (the movement mainly deals with the traditions of central Europe and central and eastern Asia). The opening bass drum rhythm (which is borrowed from the Siciliana) and the long high notes in the strings separate this movement from the outer ones in terms of geography and climate. Also, the fact that the soloist only uses metal instruments in this movement makes it colder and more northern in character. The melodic materials of this movement are inspired by Mozart's Sicilianas which appear in some of his most intimate and moving movements (Piano Concerto K.488, Sonata K.280, Rondo K.511 and the aria Ach Ich Fuhl's). One can hear that war is brewing under the surface throughout the movement although it only erupts briefly in the form of central Asian bells and modes that invade the introspective mood of the Siciliana. The movement ends with a long meditation on the opening theme - with many moments frozen in time.

3. The Americas - The final movement is a snapshot of the present (The Americas are, in fact, still one continent). Moreover, the mixture of cultures is a staple of modern America. The final movement is constructed as a rondo. The refrain represents mainstream American styles (Broadway at first, American Symphonic style in its second repeat, Mellow Jazz in the third, and Grunge Music - Seattle Style Rock - in its final repeat). The episodic sections explore other sounds of the Americas: the Tango, AfroCuban Jazz, Swing, and Minimalism. As American music is by nature inclusive, the movement includes a recapitulation of African, European and Asian music, tying the piece together.

Performed by Cole Counihan (Percussion), Drake Bailey (Piano); Program Notes by Anver Dorman

Blueprints is a series of works written by Cole Counihan (b. 2003) for specific architectural spaces. Counihan has always been deeply motivated by the art of architectural design and kinetic performances, and the Blueprints series reflects these interests by creating music for particular performance spaces.

Blueprints I is written for McAfee Concert Hall at Belmont University for Counihan’s senior recital. Making use of the reverberant space and multi-level venue, this piece explores the dynamic range of the hall through repetitive rhythms and a carefully chosen tonal palette.

Performed by Cole Counihan (Percussion), David Williams (Percussion), Karissa Szarek (Viola)