Narrative (2022) - ca. 6'

solo cello scordatura

*Commissioned by Charlene Kluegel for violin scordatura

Program Notes:

I called this piece Narrative as if we are hearing a new narrative of the performance tradition of Iranian classical music. Although this piece is written for the cello, I have tried to create the sonic effects of Iranian string instruments such as Kamanche and Gheychak through altered tuning and different bowing techniques. In the Iranian classical music performance tradition, the instrumental music starts with a Daramad (introduction) and is followed by a few fast-paced, rhythmic, and dance-like movements such as Chahâr-mezrâb, Zarbî, and Reng.

Premiere: 

Amelia Smerz, cello
July 2022, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA