Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Stuart MacRae
32 (2002)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Commissioned by Radio France for the radio programme Alla Breve and written for Jay Gottlieb
Programme Note
The piece is called "32" because it is made up of 32 short sections, each a different length...for example, there is a 1-second section, a 2-second section, etcetera until 32 seconds.
In future it is possible that these may be arranged in different orders, but for this definitive version they are arranged (and written) as five movements or pieces.
I. This piece is very unpredictable, made up of a succession of sections which are sometimes related, sometimes not. Most of these are based on 2-part polyphony which forms quite a complex texture. Some other ideas are introduced which are continued in the later pieces.
II. A complete contrast with the first piece: very sparse and dry; quiet chords, silences and tiny outbursts. And one very sudden, violent reference to the 1st piece.
III. A kind of evolving moto perpetuo - notes spaced all over the piano’s range in very simple rhythms gradually become more regular and eventually much faster and rather threatening.
IV. A very delicate, reserved meditation, based on a kind of mirror idea introduced in the 1st piece - and one outburst.
V. Really a Scherzo - very playful and capricious, but often with somewhat violent tendencies, and ending with wistful fragments of melody.
In future it is possible that these may be arranged in different orders, but for this definitive version they are arranged (and written) as five movements or pieces.
I. This piece is very unpredictable, made up of a succession of sections which are sometimes related, sometimes not. Most of these are based on 2-part polyphony which forms quite a complex texture. Some other ideas are introduced which are continued in the later pieces.
II. A complete contrast with the first piece: very sparse and dry; quiet chords, silences and tiny outbursts. And one very sudden, violent reference to the 1st piece.
III. A kind of evolving moto perpetuo - notes spaced all over the piano’s range in very simple rhythms gradually become more regular and eventually much faster and rather threatening.
IV. A very delicate, reserved meditation, based on a kind of mirror idea introduced in the 1st piece - and one outburst.
V. Really a Scherzo - very playful and capricious, but often with somewhat violent tendencies, and ending with wistful fragments of melody.