The Flow Of Memory

SKU: PR.11441690S

UPC: 680160626021. 9 x 12 inches.

Ran's third string quartet was written for the Pacifica Quartet, who are featuring it in numerous performances from May 2014 through February 2016, across the country and abroad. Their blog page dedicated to the work also features the composer's notes, for more indepth insight. ...impassioned solos emerge from ominous quiet, and high arpeggios in the violins quiver alongside the earthy cello. Ms. Ran skillfully deploys these extremes of color, volume and pitch, yet the overall somewhat chilly impression is one of poise. -- Zachary Woolfe, The New York Times.
My third string quartet was composed at the invitation of the Pacifica Quartet, whose music-making I have come to know closely and admire hugely as resident artists at the University of Chicago.  Already in our early conversations Pacifica proposed that this quartet might, in some manner, refer to the visual arts as a point of germination.  Probing further, I found out that the quartet members had special interest in art created during the earlier part of the 20th century, perhaps between the two world wars.  It was my good fortune to have met, a short while later, while in residence at the American Academy in Rome in the fall of 2011, art conservationist Albert Albano who steered me to the work of Felix Nussbaum (1904-1944), a German-Jewish painter who, like so many others, perished in the Holocaust at a young age, and who left some powerful, deeply moving art that spoke to the life that was unraveling around him. The title of my string quartet takes its inspiration from a major exhibit devoted to art by German artists of the period of the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) titled “Glitter and Doom: German Portraits from the 1920s”, first shown at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2006-07.  Nussbaum would have been a bit too young to be included in this exhibit.  His most noteworthy art was created in the last very few years of his short life.  The exhibit’s evocative title, however, suggested to me the idea of “Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory” as a way of framing a possible musical composition that would be an homage to his life and art, and to that of so many others like him during that era.  Knowing that their days were numbered, yet intent on leaving a mark, a legacy, a memory, their art is triumph of the human spirit over annihilation. Parallel to my wish to compose a string quartet that, typically for this genre, would exist as “pure music”, independent of a narrative, was my desire to effect an awareness in my listener of matters which are, to me, of great human concern.  To my mind there is no contradiction between the two goals.  As in several other works composed since 1969, this is my way of saying ‘do not forget’, something that, I believe, can be done through music with special power and poignancy.    The individual titles of the quartet’s four movements give an indication of some of the emotional strands this work explores. 1) “That which happened” (das was geschah) – is how the poet Paul Celan referred to the Shoah – the Holocaust.  These simple words served for me, in the first movement, as a metaphor for the way in which an “ordinary” life, with its daily flow and its sense of sweet normalcy, was shockingly, inhumanely, inexplicably shattered. 2) “Menace” is a shorter movement, mimicking a Scherzo.  It is also machine-like, incessant, with an occasional, recurring, waltz-like little tune – perhaps the chilling grimace we recognize from the executioner’s guillotine mask.  Like the death machine it alludes to, it gathers momentum as it goes, and is unstoppable. 3) ”If I must perish - do not let my paintings die”; these words are by Felix Nussbaum who, knowing what was ahead, nonetheless continued painting till his death in Auschwitz in 1944.  If the heart of the first movement is the shuddering interruption of life as we know it, the third movement tries to capture something of what I can only imagine to be the conflicting states of mind that would have made it possible, and essential, to continue to live and practice one’s art – bearing witness to the events.  Creating must have been, for Nussbaum and for so many others, a way of maintaining sanity, both a struggle and a catharsis – an act of defiance and salvation all at the same time. 4) “Shards, Memory” is a direct reference to my quartet’s title.  Only shards are left.  And memory.  The memory is of things large and small, of unspeakable tragedy, but also of the song and the dance, the smile, the hopes.  All things human.  As we remember, in the face of death’s silence, we restore dignity to those who are gone.—Shulamit Ran .

SKU: HL.48009870

UPC: 073999191394. 9.25x12.25x0.074 inches.

Contents: Winter * The Bare Tree * Spring Storm * Memory of April * Love Song * This is Just to Say * Perfection * The Wildflower * My Days are Burning (The Counter) * A Flowing River * Approach of Winter * Conquest (begun) * The Marriage of Souls * Conquest (concluded).

SKU: KJ.GB878

This multi-movement masterwork is dedicated to the memory of Darius Milhaud, whose influence is evident in the clear, French flavor of this composition. The three movements are titled March, Song and Dance. Perfect for concert or contest!

SKU: CF.CM9583

ISBN 9781491154052. UPC: 680160912551. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Eb major. English. Thomas Moore (1779-1852).

Thomas Moore (17791852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Filld with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasures dream is gone, Its memory lives in Musics breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendships balmy words may feign, Loves are even more false than they; Oh! tis only musics strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779a1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music a Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fillad with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasureas dream is gone, Its memory lives in Musicas breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendshipas balmy words may feign, Loveas are even more false than they; Oh! atis only musicas strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music - Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fill'd with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasure's dream is gone, Its memory lives in Music's breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, Love's are even more false than they; Oh! 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music - Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fill'd with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasure's dream is gone, Its memory lives in Music's breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, Love's are even more false than they; Oh! 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779–1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song.We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life?On Music – Thomas MooreWhen through life unblest we rove,Losing all that made life dear,Should some notes we used to love,In days of boyhood, meet our ear,Oh! how welcome breathes the strain!Wakening thoughts that long have slept,Kindling former smiles againIn faded eyes that long have wept.Like the gale, that sighs alongBeds of oriental flowers,Is the grateful breath of song,That once was heard in happier hours.Fill’d with balm the gale sighs on,Though the flowers have sunk in death;So, when pleasure’s dream is gone,Its memory lives in Music’s breath.Music, oh, how faint, how weak,Language fades before thy spell!Why should Feeling ever speak,When thou canst breathe her soul so well?Friendship’s balmy words may feign,Love’s are even more false than they;Oh! ’tis only music’s strainCan sweetly soothe, and not betray.Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.

SKU: PR.11440505S

UPC: 680160008391. 11 x 14 inches.

Although structurally it subdivides into five movements, the entire quartet emerges as one vast continuum. There are no formal breaks between movements. However, certain musical signposts can be discerned, associated with each of the movements' terminations and new beginnings. The opening movement, The Nostalgia of Clanging Bell Sonorities, begins floating on recurrent Bbs whose soft rhythmic flow slowly puts into motion strong undercurrents suggestive of the latent power of water... After several suggestions of tolling bells, the movement gradually fades into hushed tones of veiled and very distant sonorities. It uses a unique effect, for the first time in a musical context, conveyed through the use of extra heavy practice mutes. The second movement, The Spill of Water, disengages itself from the first through its distinct contrast in tempo. Water moves fast, and when it splashes, it tends to run wildly. In this case, it happens to be bubbly water that gushes forth bodly... smashing across rocky shorelines. So, too, the music attempts to conjure such moods. At the end of this movement, a cello cadenza emerges, introducing an introspective type of melodicism. The third movement, The Poignancy of Memory, contains many silences as it tries to convey memory through fragmented remembrances much like often occur in our dream state. Progressing through several slowly building images, it gradually works itself into juxtaposition of musical images. Towards the movement's end, high harmonics are sounding in all four instruments while left hand pizzicato notes in the cello pluck the last remembrances of this central core. Almost imperceptibly, the viola assumes leadership as it dissolves into: The fourth movement, The Fluidity of Motion, which has mostly the viola, but also the cello, articulating lyrical statements against sheets of sound conjured up by the two violins playing a flood of swirling figures, evokes a kind of static motion in space. Here , the virtually imperceptible manner in which this hushed whisper continues incessantly, can suggest the potential fluidity with which movement may inch forward... Later into the fourth movement, two fairly extended solos by the second and then the first violins, lead to a kind of spontaneous dialogue amont the four instrumentalists. Eventually, this musical conversation gets caught up in: The fifth movement's The Rush of Time, which opens with a hushed flurry of speed, precipitates the Finale. It generates, at first slowly, but then very swiftly, whole shifts of rhythmic fields that initially seem to conflict with one another. Ultimately, this use of psycho-rhythmics contributes to an on-rush seem of motion and time. Rhythmic changes are, at times, abruptly precipitated with but little or no preparation creating a kind of inevitability in forward thrust, while the movement rushes forward with a feeling of gradual and continuous acceleration. It gathers density as more and more notes are piled progressively upon successive beats. The attempt is to spark tension and ignite excitement by means of frenetic confrontations of dissimilitudes. Ultimately - with the help of time - these polarities centrifically spin out their own destinies with their accompanying fall-out and own inevitable resolutions.

SKU: HL.14032792

ISBN 9780711963498.

Written in memory of innocent victims, this dramatic piece is ideally performed within a church. It uses texts form the Gospels, St Ephrem the Syrian, the Old testament, Shakespeare and from Mathnawi of Jalal al-Din Rumi. The work begins in a musical wasteland, seemingly hopeless and without redemption. Words are turned upside down with apocalyptic screams from the organ. The work ends with an echo of this opening, but the suffering this time is inside redemption. All the various streams come from this and flow back into it in the pianissimo canon The son of man is come to save that which is lost. Contains detailed performance suggestions; duration is 25 minutes.