Keystone

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — The heartbeat and central rhythmic structure of Keystone is based on a two-mea- sure, 3-3-2 accented pattern. The accented beats are on beats 1 and 4 in m. 1, and beat 3 in m. 2. The ensemble should focus on playing together with this basic rhythmic emphasis to perform precisely with good feel throughout the piece.Written in A minor and with an AABAABCA form, the piece begins with the ensem- ble playing with passion and energy from the start. Violin 1 carries the melody over the accompaniment in violin 2, viola and cello. Pizzicato basses enter with a solid rhythmic groove in m. 8 adding the foundation and low-end support to both the harmonic structure and the recurring rhythmic pattern. A solo violin enters in m. 24 and dances above the undulating accompaniment.A ten-measure build (broken into a six-measure phrase and a four-measure phrase in mm. 29-38) has the full ensemble roaring and decelerating dramatically, launch- ing into the grand and resplendent B-theme at m. 39. The straight rhythmic feel in the B-section in mm. 39-52 departs from the two-measure accented, rhythmic pat- tern of the A-section. The violins soar, supported by full, lush voicings in the middle and low strings. After a four-measure transition in mm. 53-56, featuring accented cello and bass lines, the A-section and the 3-3-2 pattern are reprised in mm. 57-70. The solo violin returns, beginning with two-measure step-out phrases and builds into flowing lines over the driving A-theme.The majestic B-theme recurs in mm. 79-87 with interesting interplay in mm. 85-87, as motives are distributed throughout the sections of the group. The energy increas- es in the percussive and punctuated C-section in mm. 88-102, featuring more exchanges throughout the orchestra. The final A-section in mm. 107-125 spotlights the violin soloist again atop a thundering orchestra pushing toward the ending. Strong marcato ensemble figures in mm. 125-126 and a pyramid effect in m. 127 set up the final 3-3-2 ensemble figure in mm.129-130, as Keystone concludes dra- matically with the powerful final hit in m. 131. Keystone begins with driving rhythms that build in intensity to a luscious violin solo. After the beautiful solo is completed, a full ensemble section is presented. What makes Keystone special is how the piece intertwines the two ideas in an incredibly spectacular fashion. For more advanced groups with a strong concertmaster, this piece again proves why Alan Lee Silva is one of the top composers of string music today.

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