Composer

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David Ashley White

Average_duration

:

4:31

"Reflections on a Tune" is a contemporary classical composition by David Ashley White, an American composer and professor of music at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston. The piece was composed in 2003 and premiered on March 28, 2004, by the Houston Chamber Choir, conducted by Robert Simpson. The composition consists of three movements, each reflecting on a different aspect of the tune that inspired the piece. The tune in question is a traditional Scottish melody called "The Water is Wide," which has been used in various forms throughout history, including as a folk song and as the basis for classical compositions. The first movement, titled "Variations," is a set of variations on the original tune. White takes the melody and transforms it through various techniques, including rhythmic changes, harmonic alterations, and changes in instrumentation. The movement is characterized by its playful and lively nature, with the variations building on each other to create a sense of momentum and energy. The second movement, titled "Meditation," is a slower and more contemplative piece. White takes the melody and strips it down to its bare essentials, using simple harmonies and sparse instrumentation to create a sense of introspection and reflection. The movement is characterized by its use of space and silence, with the melody emerging and receding like waves on a shore. The third and final movement, titled "Dance," is a lively and energetic piece that brings the composition to a close. White takes the melody and sets it against a driving rhythm, using syncopation and complex harmonies to create a sense of excitement and movement. The movement is characterized by its use of counterpoint and interlocking rhythms, with the various parts of the ensemble weaving in and out of each other to create a sense of complexity and depth. Overall, "Reflections on a Tune" is a masterful composition that showcases White's skill as a composer and his ability to take a simple melody and transform it into something complex and beautiful. The piece is a testament to the power of music to inspire and move us, and it stands as a testament to White's talent and creativity as a composer.

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