The Highwire

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — The Highwire suspense begins from the opening measure with soft pulsing, repeated notes in violin 1 and tremolo harmonies in violin 2 and viola. The cellos and basses announce marcato motifs of the driving A-minor main theme in mm. 5–12, and the full ensemble grows in volume and intensity.The form of the piece is introduction-A-A’-B-B-C-A’-B’ and conclusion. Violin 1 makes the first full statement of the melody in mm. 13–20 over punctuated downbeats in the low strings. In m. 21, the cellos and basses return to the driving melody, accompanied by undulating tremolos in the upper strings. After the forte-piano marking in m. 21, the orchestra builds in intensity over four measures, and then the playing style abruptly changes in m. 25.The soaring double B-section (mm. 25–38) features a legato, espressivo violin 1 melody, accompanied by lush voicings in the rest of the group. This section is flowing and emotional (with two staccato, passing phrases in the low strings in mm. 28and 36), and each section has a chance to shine with a cantabile-style melodic phrase. A brief five-measure interlude in mm. 39–43, highlighted by driving, staccato violins, is supported by accented hits in the low strings.A tonality shift occurs with the new material at the bridge in mm. 44–53. This section spotlights precise, staccato, tutti figures and question-answer dynamic changes in each measure, which alternate between forte and piano. At m. 54, the piece returns to a partial statement of the A-section with violins playing thetheme over accented stabs in the cellos and basses. A portion of the legato B-section is reprised at m. 58, leading to a return of the marcato interlude theme in mm. 64–69. Driving cellos and basses head the charge to the ending with their bold, staccato figures in mm. 68–69. The entire ensemble, playing the accented unisons in mm. 71–73 finishes the piece explosively.

Preview Pages