Two Daughters

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — From the poignant, heartwarming violin melody at m. 5, to the soaring ensemble climax at m. 61, Two Daughters is a flowing, lyrical composition with a wide dynamic range. Written in AABA form with a bridge, the delicate introduction sets up a legato violin solo at m. 5. The piece builds to the singing B-section (m. 21) and returns again to the gentle A-melody (m. 29). The cello is featured in m. 37 under a soft, high string sustain. Two modulations (mm. 37 and 52) move seamlessly and build excitement to the bridge, highlighted by alternating melodic phrases. The slower ending section (m.69) is played with intensity, featuring more sixteenth-note passages. The final two measures return to the sweet, gentle feeling of the introduction. Two Daughters is a flowing and impassioned composition dedicated to the composer’s daughters that gives the young string orchestra ample chances to display its lyrical abilities. Several solo passages vary the texture, which displays Alan Lee Silva’s usual flair for lush contemporary harmonic writing.