Program Note
Strife for bassoon and alto saxophone, was commissioned in 2012 by the Aether Duo. The title of the work was taken from the introductory monologue of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, much like Sampson’s Cross’d for two soprano saxophones. In Cross’d, the performers achieve moments of peace interrupted by violent changes, while in Strife there is more or less a constant tension. The difference being that for Romeo and Juliet there are at least some moments of peace, while “their parents’ strife,” or quarrel, maintains perpetual anxiety.
Both the large form and individual gesture shapes are based on the word ‘strife.’ The shape of each letter and the sounds they represent, sustained or repeated, create the individual sections. There are six sections to the work, each based on a different letter and separated by transitions that are rhythmic variations of identical pitch sets.
— Jamie Leigh Sampson
Both the large form and individual gesture shapes are based on the word ‘strife.’ The shape of each letter and the sounds they represent, sustained or repeated, create the individual sections. There are six sections to the work, each based on a different letter and separated by transitions that are rhythmic variations of identical pitch sets.
— Jamie Leigh Sampson
Reproduction Notice:
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.