Composer

:

Judith Shatin

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

24:12

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"Ruah for flute & orchestra" is a contemporary classical composition by Judith Shatin, an American composer and sound artist. The piece was composed in 2015 and premiered on March 19, 2016, by the Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kate Tamarkin, with flutist Kelly Sulick as the soloist. The composition consists of three movements, each exploring different aspects of the relationship between the flute and the orchestra. The first movement, titled "Breath," is characterized by the use of extended techniques on the flute, such as flutter-tonguing and breathy sounds, which are contrasted with the lush and lyrical orchestral accompaniment. The second movement, "Wind," is more virtuosic and features the flute in a more prominent role, with fast and intricate runs and trills. The final movement, "Spirit," is more introspective and contemplative, with the flute and orchestra weaving together in a delicate and ethereal texture. One of the defining characteristics of "Ruah" is its use of Jewish mystical concepts as a source of inspiration. The title, "Ruah," is a Hebrew word meaning "breath" or "spirit," and the three movements are meant to evoke different aspects of the divine breath. Shatin has described the piece as a meditation on the relationship between the individual and the divine, with the flute representing the human voice and the orchestra representing the larger universe. Overall, "Ruah for flute & orchestra" is a complex and evocative work that showcases Shatin's skill as a composer and her ability to create a rich and nuanced musical language. The piece has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, and has been performed by orchestras and soloists around the world.

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