Music, School of
Date of this Version
2021
Abstract
Flute Violin Cello Harp (optional piano)
Saffron Paths traces an imaginary musical journey though the Near East and Asia with stops in Persia, India, China, Korea and Japan, blending elements of Western and Eastern musical usage. It is designed as a suite that, in addition to a complete performance, individual movements can be performed separately.
Shiraz, inspired by a poem of Hafez (1325-1388), features a heterophonic melody and additive rhythms used in Arabic and Islamic music.
Bengali Night incorporates some aspects of classical Hindustani music including the tambura drone and Raga suggested by the Lydian mode.
Chinoserie (European imitation of Oriental Art) with its use of the pentatonic mode is meant to suggest the calm serenity of the 7th century Tang Dynasty. Some of he harp writing is reminiscent of the Zheng (Chinese zither).
Minyo is an interpretation of the traditional Korean folk song Han o baeng nyon. It expresses the bittersweet transience of human existence.
Suzunoya (House of Bells) was the home of the Japanese scholar Motoori Norinaga (1730- 1801). His Suzunoya Academy was renown for its large collection of bells. The modes are based on Koto tunings and some of the passages are meant to suggest the Sankyoku ensemble (Shakuhachi, Samisen, and Koto) that was popularized during the Edo Period.
duration: c. 9:30
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Copyright © 2021 Randall Snyder