A parable on the Fayuum portraits for Flute, Tuba and Percussion by Otto Henry Henry's work has an unusual source: third century Roman portraits painted on wooden boards and bound into mummies for burial. Henry made a computer slide show with aleatoric music and later transcribed this work for flute, tuba and percussion as a kind of "Pictures at an Exhibition," based on the vivid character and personalities of paintings such as the "Melancholy Lady" and the "Man With a Wart." The music is wistful and sardonic, as if the characters were speaking of their lives and fortunes sometimes with sorrow, sometimes with humor. The aleatoric and minimalistic origin of the music can be heard in its colorful scraps of melodies and cadences, unpredictably tonal, yet logical. This is an excellent, colorful and interesting recital or concert piece with an unusual combination of instruments and programmatic associations.
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Review from Percussive Notes (2021):
Ancient Faces
Otto Henry
“Ancient Faces” is a tribute to the Fayum mummy portraits. It is scored for a mixed chamber ensemble of flute, tuba, and percussion, sectioned into 11 small movements that take their names, and undoubtedly their inspiration, from different individual portraits, except the last movement, “All Together,” in which the portraits are reflected upon as a whole.
This piece is an excellent study for the instruments included. The flute typically carries the melodic content, though most times it is interwoven with the tuba lines. The pitch arrangement is more aleatoric, suggesting serialism, yet it portrays the mood and visage of the persons mentioned in the movements’ titles. The percussion part, however minimal, adds depth and variety to each movement. There are comparatively few notes for the percussionist, but this suggests an intentional nature behind each of the sounds selected for the player.
“Ancient Faces” would be a perfect piece for an undergraduate recital or a concert with mixed groups. The percussion required is mostly small, accessory-type items that would be simple to take to a performance, and therefore might be a wise choice for those with limited transport options.
—Cassie Bunting
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