for Solo English Horn and String Orchestra
Instrumentation:
- Solo English Horn
- Violin 1
- Violin 2
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
Program Notes:
I have always been interested in the work of Charles Ives, to say his work is
iconic and interesting would be an intense understatement. Among his most famous works is The Unanswered Question, which was written for an orchestra of Reeds, Trumpet, and Strings. It’s a beautiful introspective work that has become not only one of the most famous works by Ives, but one of the most famous classical works in general. Even those who may have not heard the piece itself have no doubt heard the title and are aware of the idea of the “unanswered question”. Cielo Bianco takes its instrumentation partly from Ives work, instead of a Trumpet, my work utilizes the plaintive, English Horn, and also lacks a reed section, instead employing a full string orchestra. The main idea of the work is captured entirely by the title, which translates to “white sky,” the work is meant to depict a white sky, and the music itself sort of takes the dreamer (the listener) through a sort of dream like stasis, in which they are floating among these clouds and hearing/seeing, thoughts of beauty, possible angst, and overall – peace.
Full Set of Score and Parts Available Directly from the Composer.