David Mecionis

Oboe

Composer's Note:

Solo Suite in the Old Style (oboe solo, 2024) explores certain forms and mannerisms of the Classical and Romantic eras. The constraints of the tonal idioms of the past are compounded and magnified by the limitations of the wind instrument for which this suite is written. Music for an unaccompanied monophonic instrument must communicate, in a single line, the essential tonal elements of key, chord movement and modulation, as well any narrative elements such as conflict and resolution, action and rest. It is hoped that this is accomplished in each of the four numbers of this suite. These pieces should ideally be played together in the given order, however they may be performed separately or in subsets of any ordering. Each number marks a genuine attempt to conjure an ephemeral yet palpable sound sculpture in the mind of the listener.

The melodies in this piece were conceived across a period of about twelve years, spanning a period of great change in my personal and musical life. The final fruit of these ideas—Solo Suite in the Old Style—was composed for oboist Lillian Copeland, who premiered it in a New York Composers Circle concert on February 15, 2024. The piece is dedicated to my indomitable sister Veronica, in an attempt, however inadequate, to recognize and thank her for the hard work, devotion, and generosity of spirit that she so selflessly bestows on her family.