SKU: PR.114423640
UPC: 680160688562.
The first time I saw slipstreaming in action with professional cyclists, I was in awe. The competitors were riding inches away from each other; when the lead rider would swerve left or right, the pursuers would immediately follow suit. The physics behind what appears on the surface to be sheer daredevil antics are quite solid: the cyclists riding directly behind the leader are benefitting from reduced air and wind resistance. On a larger scale, a peloton (the French term for a pack of riders) benefits multiple riders whoare behind the leaders of the pack. While riding so close to other riders carries great risk of colliding, that risk is outweighed by the benefit of preserving one’s energy.Slipstream was inspired by the love of cycling shared by Haley Hoops, horn, and Stephen Ahearn, clarinet, for whom the piece was commissioned. They are drawn to cycling for the adventure of it, to discover new places, and to meet new people. Haley also expressed her enjoyment of taking solo bike rides. Additionally, I found great inspiration in watching the daily highlight videos of the three-week 2020 Tour de France, which happened to be taking place while I composed Slipstream.The piece opens with The Horizon Beckons. A cyclist hears an enticing call emanating from the mountains, then the cyclist starts pedaling towards the mountains in search of adventure. Riding Solo, the second movement, explores the quiet of riding alone, the beauty of the landscape, and the shifting of the light and clouds, all while we hear the bike’s wheels in constant motion. Adrenaline Rush, the third and final movement, depicts the heat of competition. We hear the constant jockeying of cyclists within a peloton as they slipstream with each other and move with the wind. At the very end of the movement, we hear sprinters race for the finish line with everything they have left in their legs.
SKU: PR.114417250
ISBN 9781491110928. UPC: 680160631469. 9x12 inches. Key: F.
Concertino in F for English Horn and OrchestraPreviously known only through a spurious edition in G Major, the authentic Concertino in F was recently discovered in Italy by Pedro Diaz, English Hornist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Diaz prepared this ground-breaking authentic edition through comparison of the multiple historical sources and an intimate knowledge of Donizetti's works. The new edition in F Major is embellished with footnotes regarding sources and ornamentation. The piano reduction and orchestral score and parts (available on rental) were prepared by composer/oboist Mark Biggam in tandem with Diaz's work, and the publication includes extensive historical notes by scholar Michael Finkelman. PEDRO DIAZ joined The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2005 and has performed as solo English Hornist in hundreds of productions. As a sought after teacher, Mr. DÃaz has lectured extensively at top music conservatories including The Juilliard School, The Manhattan School of Music, The Eastman School of Music,The Hartt Music School, and Duquesne University. His international appearances include masterclasses in Panama, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Leipzig, Berlin, and Italy.A native of Puerto Rico, he received his early musical training in the “Escuela Libre de Musica,†an esteemed public school for the performing arts. He has performed as a guest artist with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and many other leading ensembles. His playing has been hailed by critics as evocative, eloquent and expressive and is considered one of the pre-eminent players of his generation. Mr. DÃaz has performed Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde 24 times under the batons of James Levine, Daniel Barenboim, and Sir Simon Rattle.Pedro DÃaz’s recording of the Donizetti Concertino in F and other concerti is available from Fox Products and online sources, performed with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. MARK BIGGAM’s compositions have been recognized in various venues throughout the United States, Central America, Asia, and Europe. He has received awards from ASCAP and the Cleveland Foundation. An oboist himself, many of Biggam’s compositions have been performed by notable oboists and English Horn players including John Mack, Joseph Robinson, Pedro DÃaz, Carolyn Hove, and Dwight Parry. Premieres of his works have been featured at events including the International Double Reed Society and John Mack Legacy Camp.Biggam’s choral works have gained recognition, awards, and commissions from organizations including the Moravian Music Foundation, Ohio BoyChoir, and Triad Pride Men’s Chorus. He also has published arrangements and piano reductions of J.S. Bach’s music for Bärenreiter-Verlag. His collaborations with Pedro DÃaz include the Donizetti Concertino in F as well as works of the lesser-known composers Pilotti and Mares, recorded by Mr. Diaz and members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Biggam has alsoprepared arrangements and settings of works for symphonic band, which have been performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony.
