Kinetic Energy

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — "Kinetic energy" is the energy of constant motion. I attempted to capture this feeling with the continuous pulse of staccato eighth notes throughout the piece. The forward movement of these eighth-note figures should be tireless and constant even during the more lyrical section of the piece. The eighths should be played in a spiccato manner throughout.The piece is written using the Lydian mode with the characteristic tritone that is prominent in the main melody. The secondary theme sounds somewhat like an inversion of the main theme, but the constant eighth-note feel continues. The B-section of the piece at m.40 moves to E minor and is more legato and elongated in nature; but the constant motion of the staccato eighth notes continues. Following an interplay between first violin and cello on the E-minor theme, the piece returns to the main theme again in G Lydian and then a return of the secondary theme followed by a punctuated coda bringing the piece to a bold conclusion. It may be appropriate for your ensemble to increase the tempo at m. 75 to the end if you so desire.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.-Larry ClarkLakeland, FL 2007 Kinetic energy is the energy of constant motion. This Larry Clark composition displays the vitality and drive typical of his style. It has a memorable principal melody in the Lydian mode and a hauntingly beautiful middle section that will not soon be forgotten. The contrasts in style and texture, within the framework of nearly continuous eighth note motion, will serve to keep young players on their toes.