instrumental quintet

The work is divided into eight movements, of which the first four and the final three are performed without pause.  A propos de l’amitié opens with an energetic “Prelude” that introduces the various narrative streams of each of the instruments.  The second movement, “Fight Over Accompanist,” features the Eb (piccolo) clarinet in opposition to the viola and cello as both try to convince the pianist to play with them. “Lullaby”, the third movement, features the cello and piano performing a soothing, restorative melody.  The first section of A propos de l’amitié ends with a reflective “Ritornello”.

On The And Of was written at the request of the Newport Chamber Music Society for the Ernest Bloch Festival in the summer of 2006. Scored for the instruments of the Third Angle New Music Ensemble from Portland, the work was premiered on July 6, 2006, in Newport, OR.