Title	Beatitudes
Year Composed	2003
Duration	00:14:00
Ensemble Type	Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation	1 Harpsichord, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Theremin, 1 Other Wind Instrument(s)
Instrumentation Notes	Includes oboe d'amore, Harpsichord, Viola, Cello, Theremin
Files
Additional Information	Beatitudes, for theremin, oboe d'amore, viola, cello, and harpsichord, performed by Winsor Music: Elizabeth Brown, theremin; Peggy Pearson, oboe d'amore; Betty Hauck, viola; Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello; Peter Sykes, harpsichord. There are six brief movements. I hoped to induce stylistic vertigo by introducing the theremin to the other instruments, which have a long history together in musical civilization, particularly in Baroque music. The theremin's otherwordly vocal quality, wide pitch and dynamic range, and ability to slide are exaggerated when paired with the harpsichord's definite attack, clear pitches, and concise dynamic range. The oboe d'amore is deeper and softer and darker than the oboe; I think of it as how oboe would sound in a dream, and have used the theremin to give it a musical halo in some of the movements. Published by Quetzal Music, available from the composer.

Return to Elizabeth Brown's Homepage