Sacred Prelude, Op.1

Little, J. D. (2005) Sacred Prelude, Op.1. [Audio]

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Abstract

For String Quintet (Vln, 2Vla, 2Vc), on "Masterworks of the New Era", Vol.10 [CD]: world première recording with soloists of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Robert Ian Winstin; recorded at the Czech Radio Studios (Studio 1), Prague (October, 2005). Editions de la Rue Margot (USA) Cat. No. ERM 6812. ISMN M-7200-6025-5. ASCAP Title Code: 492881219. Recording supported by the Foundation for New Music (USA); ca.11 mins.

A natural rubato is felt throughout this haunting, single-movement, chamber work for string quintet. Its much darker than usual instrumentation sees two violas and two cellos set against only one violin (which sometimes, like a single voice, soars high above the texture). The sound is reminiscent of that of ancient church music. Written in the stile antico, it opens with a “Plainsong”, then comes the main central “Anthem”. There is a brief reprise of the opening theme, before the work closes with a more emphatic “Fantasia” (where the sense of rubato becomes almost improvisatory). The work, as a whole, may be said to comprise a poignant “prayer” for strings.

Publication Type: Audio
Additional Information: MAJOR REVIEWS [ON LATER RE-ISSUE]: Fanfare (USA), Vol.36: No.1 (Sept-Oct 2012), pp.58-72 - Feature article (includes extensive interview with Martin Anderson, and reviews by Anderson, Canfield and Nockin), and Fanfare (USA), Vol.36: No.2 (Nov-Dec 2012) Selected International Music Reviews: Wheatley, John, ‘Jonathan Little: Terpsichore and other Works’ [CD Review], in “Tempo” (UK), Vol.62: No.243 (Jan. 2008), pp.88-89 – “developing a distinctly English pastoral flavour, with strong reflections of the harmony and soothing dignity of E. J Moeran and Vaughan Williams … intensely ethereal” Byelick, Ira, ‘Little: Polyhymnia ...’ [CD Review] in American Record Guide (May/June 2012) – “a beautiful serenade for string quintet [that] stands out with its sincerity” Bailey, Lynn Rene, ‘Little, Jonathan: Terpsichore and Other Works’ [CD Review] in “Fanfare” (USA), Vol.31: No.5 (May-June 2008), pp.179-180. ISSN 0148-9364 – “music of tremendous power”. Bailey, Lynn Rene, ‘The Want List 2008’, in “Fanfare” (USA), Vol.32: No.2 (Nov-Dec 2008), p.77 – “a major new, original and quite brilliant classical voice”. Clavijo, Alejandro, ‘Jonathan Little: Polyhymnia’ [CD Review], in “Reviews New Age” (Spain) (February, 2012) [5/5 STARS: ALBUM OF THE MONTH; NOMINATED FOR BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR] – “ 'Sacred Prelude, Op.1' is another masterpiece of the album. Beautiful, exciting, thrilling and remarkable in every sense, this piece is an elegant gift to the ears. There are no words to describe this work …”
Subjects: M Music and Books on Music > M Music
Divisions: Academic Areas > Conservatoire
Media of Output: Print Music
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Jonathan Little
Date Deposited: 23 Dec 2016 10:15
Last Modified: 22 Aug 2017 11:38
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/2244

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