For piano, cello and percussionist, includes score. Meditation on the Nativity is an evocative work inspired by the words of St. Gregory of Nyssa. "...inexpressible mystery and unheard-of paradox. The invisible is seen, the intangible is touched." Duration: ca. 11'
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Review from Percussive Notes:
Kurt Sander – Meditation on the Nativity
Scored for three performers (cello, multiple percussionist, and piano), “Meditation on the Nativity” is a pensive and thoughtful 11-minute composition that provides each of the three performers the opportunity to engage in an unusual trio-music ensemble that thoughtfully portrays the incarnation of the Son of God. Composed so that each performer is treated equally, the multiple percussion part starts with the vibraphone in dialogue with the piano at a tempo of quarter note equals 62. After the opening 24 measures, the percussionist switches to tom-toms, which function dramatically in contrast to the pianist and cellist with soft dynamics. In the next several sections, the percussionist primarily plays vibraphone (using two-mallet technique). The composition ends with a very soft G-major chord. This composition is lengthy because of its slow tempo markings (some tempos are quarter note equals 48). However, as a contrasting piece, particularly for a cello recital, this work could be appropriate. Mature performers on all three instruments are necessary for a successful performance. Mixed meters and musical dialogue/interplay permeate this challenging ensemble.
—Jim Lambert
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