Contra-Dances (2002)

For two ‘cellos, challenging. Though not stylized dances, these three movements are vaguely suggestive of dancing in their motoric and somewhat repetitive rhythms; they are “contra” in that the two players frequently exchange roles.  All are rondo-like forms and employ various sorts of ostinati. More details & excerpts here. Commercially available from ISG Publications, here.

I. Bow-Tied The ritornelli in this all-pizzicato movement, in a lopsided 3/4-7/8 meter, feature melody that obsesses with a few small motives.  The contrasting sections re-order the same motives with an emphasis on augmented 2nds, that together with the special technique in the accompanying part give them a somewhat Middle Eastern flavor.  About 3:30.

II. Multi-Plied  This slow and pensive ABA moves in a more balletic fashion.  In the outer sections, diatonic melodies float over colorful accompaniment patterns; the movement’s title is suggested by the manner in which the various tone colors and disjunct ranges attempt to give the illusion of more than two layers, or “plies.”  In the middle section the two instruments discuss their relationship in a number of brief, lyrical canons.  In the return of A, the melodic material is presented in longer phrases. About 6:25.

III. High-Fived  An abundance of (mostly) perfect fifths in melody and harmony and a generally rough-hewn sound lend this sonata-rondo the character of a rustic folk dance. About 6:35