Somewhere

Somewhere is a composition written for a somewhat unusual selection of instruments. It is in the style of a jazz ballad, from which influences of lounge piano music and western classical music are used. It received its premier in St. George’s Hall, Bristol, after it was selected to be included in the University of The West of England’s performing arts showcase event in 2009.

The introduction is a contrast to the rest of the piece. It has synthetic textures, along with a broad guitar melody. A dark and restless tone is achieved by the use of tremolos on the muted violin and the xylophone. The mood then brightens as the piano enters and the main theme begins. The texture here is thin, and the attention is drawn to the rich piano melody.

The central section takes the music in yet another direction. Chromatic sequences rise and fall giving an agitated sway of notes. After a small build up, a short reflective section sees the return of the guitar, playing a similar melody to the introduction. The compositional strategy of using a simple melody and varying it over time is used frequently in the piece.

The main theme is then heard for a second time, with the muted trumpet playing the melody. Violin counter-melodies, and large chords from the piano, give a much thicker texture in this section. Finally, after a loud build up, a piano solo leads into the climax, in which all of the instruments return to bring the composition to a close.

Back to works...