Black On White

Orchestra

10 minutes

2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets (in B flat), bass clarinet (in B flat),

2 bassoons, 4 horns (in F), 2 trumpets (in B flat), 2 trombones, tuba

percussion (2 players)

player 1: tam-tam, 2 gongs (high and low), tambourine, bass drum,

2 cowbells (high and low), crotales

player 2: vibraphone, tubular bells (G5 – C sharp6),

piano,

violin 1, violin 2, viola, violoncello & doublebass

First performed by the University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

conducted by Roger Zahab on October 31st, 2005, in the Bellefield Hall, Pittsburgh,

with art work by Jeremiah D. Welsh. Click to view event flier.

Programme note:

Black On White is based on the 15th Century Compline hymn Christe, Qui Lux Es Et Dies

by Robert White. The hymn is heard three times on the strings, each time being separated

by a carillon on tuned percussion. The woodwind, brass and percussion take turns to ‘stain’

the string chorus using fragments of the hymn in a variety of transformations. The hymn is

therefore mutated by itself - Robert White discoloured by his own music. Whilst writing the

work, I also had in mind the painting Three studies for figures at the base of a crucifixion by

Francis Bacon. I like the idea of warping White’s music - looking at it from different angles

in different lights not unlike some of Bacon’s portrait ideas. The Three Studies also influenced

the triptych structure and the religious source material.

                                             Our sleep be pure from sinful stain,

                                                Let not the tempter vantage gain,

                                                Or our unguarded flesh surprise,

                                                And make us guilty in thine eyes.

                                                    Verse 3 of the Compline hymn

                                                             (Hymns Ancient & Modern)

Sound sample - central section - performed by the University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Roger Zahab.