Five Open-ended Pieces

Five Open-ended Pieces was commissioned in 2010 by the Luxembourg Tuba Consortium and received its world première with this ensemble as well. The work consists of five relatively short movements that, although they each sound very different, do have one thing in common: they each contain a great deal of subtle irony that seems to match very well with the low range of these rather large instruments. The first movement (Warm up) contains many odd effects, such as kissing, humming, or hissing into the mouthpiece, hitting the mouthpiece with the hand, making clicking sounds with the tongue, clapping… even though the piece itself is written in a rather traditionalform. As the title indicates, the second movement (Tango) is, a rousing tango. Short 7/8 bursts interrupt the Tango from time to time, giving it a rather unsettled feel. Not only that, but the musicians seem to be out of breath by the end of the movement…The third movement (Meditation) lets the first euphonium sparkle and shine while the other instruments provide a smooth accompaniment. The fourth movement (Waltz) utilizes all of the ensemble’s distinct timbres and ends on a rather non-committal chord that just doesn’t quite want to fall into place. The finale is a majestic march. Several interspersed 3/8 bars help keep the movement marching along. Ample virtuosity and the sudden appearance of a dominating bass theme make for an exciting sound that leaves only one question unanswered: was this really the end?Five Open-ended Pieces is dedicated to all the members of the Luxembourg Tuba Consortium in the spirit of music and friendship.News: Selected as a FINALIST in the 2012 ITEA Composition Contest (USA)