Bright Distance Blurring
Anita Pari
Ensemble: Wind Orchestra
Duration: 08:15
Year of Composition: 2021
Commissioned by: McGill Wind Orchestra
Premiered by: McGill Wind Orchestra (Jonathan Dagenais, director)
Date of Premiere: February 18, 2022
Publisher: self-published
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Composer
Links:
Flute
Piccolo
Oboes 1,2
Bassoons 1,2
B♭ Clarinets 1,2,3
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Sax
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
C Trumpets 1,2
F Horns 1,2,3
Trombones 1,2
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion (3 players)
Program Notes:
Bright Distance Blurring explores the concept of an interrupted journey, imagined in musical terms. The formal design of the work is based on the establishment of an initial forward-driving, goal-oriented musical texture (A, representing the beginning of the journey) which is interrupted by a blurring, fading middle section (B). Prior to the resumption of the musical material and character of Section A, there is a short interlude (C), which features an instrumental reimagining of the Great Horned Owl’s song. This use of birdsong is inspired by the many owling and birding trips I have participated in under the guidance of my father, a birdwatcher. I have included the Great Horned Owl’s song in Section C because it represents for me an atmosphere of utmost stillness and calm, contrasting greatly with the final return of A. The title Bright Distance Blurring references several aspects of the piece at once: its vivid, bold first section (representing the journey), the directional nature and breadth of this journey, and the sound mass-inspired textural and timbral qualities that characterize the interruptive material.
(Anita Pari)
