Meditation and Ritual

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — Meditation and Ritual is composed in the key of A minor and represents two contrasting styles. The first (“Meditation”) is a thought-provoking chorale. Each voice gains prominence through its lyrical quarter-note movement. The use of suspensions to create tension and release are prevalent throughout, which along with its dynamic shading help to create interest within thistender section. “Meditation” reaches its climax at m. 16 before ending with the warmth and emotion in which it began.After a very brief pause “Ritual” begins. Its medieval-sounding theme is characterized by the contrast between short and long (or slurred) articulations and is important to bring to your students’ attention in performance. The dance-like theme is portrayed in both the upper andlower voices and takes some interesting turns harmonically. After reaching a dramatic climax at m. 42, it quickly moves into a return to its opening character. After a brief and quieter move harmonically to C major, it forcefully returns to its original key. A short diminuendo takes the piece into a building flourish of eighth notes in the violins and violas, accompanied by descending quarter notes in the cellos and basses before coming to its dynamic conclusion. This original composition from Bill Calhoun has a dark and rich texture in the tradition of medieval music. Meditation and Ritual has a seriousness to it that students will gravitate toward, and is an excellent choice for contest or festival performance.

Preview Pages