Description
Recording sample from “Vibrant Colors: Brass Music of Douglas Hedwig” (MSR1811)
This composition is based on two modes (Gotygic and Epocrygic) of a non-traditional 9-note (“nonatonic”) scale, with the addition of occasional atonality for dramatic effect. Although unaccompanied, this fiery and energetic tour de force for trumpet gives the auditory impression of counterpoint and harmony (as if more than one instrument is actually playing). It achieves this by combining several distinct theme fragments as well as by employing highly contrasting articulations, pitch range and dynamics. The title of this work refers to a gemstone which some consider to have properties of healing.
– Douglas Hedwig
Commissioned by Bob Lederer for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Douglas Hedwig:
The music of Douglas Hedwig (born 1951) has been performed throughout the U.S., Italy, Germany, England, Scotland, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Praised for the “coherent, yet adventurous character of his compositions” [Opus Klassiek, Netherlands), his music embraces “a wide range of musical styles…and showcases the eloquent sincerity of a contemporary American voice” [International Center for American Music].
Winner of both the Gaetano Amadeo Prize (Italy) and The American Prize in composition, Hedwig is recipient of awards and honors from the Siena Art Institute (Italy), Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Prior to turning his full creative attention to composition in 2012, he was a trumpet player with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for 27 years.
Dr. Hedwig is Professor Emeritus at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, and was formerly on the faculty of The Juilliard School (NYC).
https://www.douglashedwig.com/
