Orchestration

Large Orchestra
3.[all pic] 3.3.[3 bass cl] 3 [3 cbsn] // 4.3.3.1 // timp.perc.[3] // pno. // strings.
Duration: 4 minutes

History

Written for and first performed by The Philharmonia Orchestra of Yale in Woosley Hall at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut on 12 October 2000. Alvaro Garcia was the conductor. Additional performances by The Juilliard Orchestra.

Audio Samples

sample one
sample two

Score Samples

sample one - page 2 [pdf]
sample two - page 7 [pdf]
sample three - page 16 [pdf]

Program Note

The frenzied chords that open FRACTURE, established in the brass, set the atmosphere and climate of the work. The strings enter in the fifth measure with the primary melodic material, while the winds and percussion provide a highly rhythmic and accented accompaniment. The surging melody in strings infiltrates all levels of the music, both vicious and cool. The level of intensity perpetually propels forward, slowly encompassing the entire orchestra. The conclusion four minutes later climaxes with the entire orchestra restating the frenzied twelve chords that open the work. FRACTURE was composed at Yaddo, an arts colony in Saratoga Springs, New York, from August 21-30, 2000. The work was first performed by the Yale Philharmonia in Woosley Hall on October 12, 2000.