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The enigma of arrival

Harry, M

Authors

M Harry



Abstract

The Enigma of Arrival, which commissioned by the Northern Sinfonia and premiered in the “Late Mix” Series in February 2003, is scored for orchestra and offstage trumpet. Taking its title from a novel by V.S. Naipaul, the piece evokes in its imagery the promise of change, contrasting this with the reality of a new life once this change has taken place. The musical structure consists of two parts. The first is the main body of the work which culminates in the appearance of the offstage trumpet at the back of the hall. The second section, which features a solo for Eb Clarinet, feels remote from all that has happened before. Indeed, through its enigmatic relationship to the rest of the piece this bleak extended coda could be understood as a portrayal of the experience of exile. The Enigma of Arrival is my musical homage to a friend, the great Russian composer Nikolai Korndorf who died in Canada at the age of fifty three.

Citation

Harry, M. (2006). The enigma of arrival

Other Type Composition
Online Publication Date Mar 21, 2006
Publication Date Mar 21, 2006
Deposit Date Oct 18, 2006
Additional Information Duration: 28 minutes
Additional Information: The Enigma of Arrival for orchestra was commissioned by the Northern Sinfonia. First performance, Northern Sinfonia (conducted by Peter Wiegold), Late Mix Series, Newcastle, March 21st 2003. A further performance was given by the Durham University Orchestral Society conducted by Matthew Taylor at Hall 2, The Sage, Gateshead on January 22nd 2006. [28 mins]