Settimana Ljubljana (Ljubljana Vignettes)

The composer writes: I composed Settimana Ljubljana (Ljubljana Vignettes) for Ensemble MD7, and dedicate it to Majda and Pavel Mihelcic, who introduced me, so graciously, to a panorama of Slovenia, some of the many beauties and wonders to which I refer in this composition. My work utilizes an isorhythm, which here consists of a succession of three rhythmic subdivisions: 1) sextuplets, leading into 2) quadruplets, and succeeded by 3) a dotted rhythm. From the first phrase and throughout the entire work, this succession of subdivisions acts as a unifying device over which variations are heard. The variations are in seven continuous movements or vignettes – brief evocative, musical episodes: 1) Through the Julian Alps is introduced by a snare drum roll; 2) Kanal Concert begins with the entrance of the bongos; 3) Tartini al Piran sounds a tuning “A” in the piano; 4) the tam-tam and a long tone in the trombone signals Ljubljanski grad – Castle Hill; 5) the bongos return for Ljubljanica Promenade – River Walk;   6) very soft chords in the piano bring in Pletna Ride; and 7) three bell chimes evoke the island setting of Church Bell on Lake Bled.