Recordings
Nurit Jugend
CalArts Ensemble
Mark Menzies - Conductor
Alea II, Dinkelspiel Audotorium, Stanford University
(April 12, 2003)
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The piece follows the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The expression of confusion, shock, horror and chaos are represented both in the musical elements as well as in the form of the piece.
The beginning is marked with force, violence and agitation. Repeated cluster chords express shock, an inability to grasp the enormous tragedy and represent the towers collapse in a din. Chaotic bursts in between these repeated cluster chords hint at what is soon to strike: the interruption of the events of September 11 and the termination of life.
The second section of the piece speaks about the victims as individuals. These individuals become a crowd of thousands of lives, sharing a fatal and tragic fate. Each of the 13 instruments carries a personal and independent voice. Slowly, the voices build up in layers - one on top of the other - to create an organized cluster representing the loss of one’s individual identity to become part of a massive, collective tragedy.
The third section entitled Above & Beyond describes the life beyond human existence, suggested by breezy, airy and unclear sounds.
In writing this piece I have turned to music where I found it beyond words to express my feelings. At this point, I had realized that even in the language of music and abstraction I failed to find the means of expressing such a great tragedy. The fourth and most climactic section of the piece is characterized by silence; what is beyond words and music is represented by a whistle tone above the quite breaths of human existence.
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N
urit Jugend
bove & Beyond
A
(13 Instruments)
