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Sheet Music: ScoreRavelation : for 2 violins, viola, 2 cellos / Jennifer Fowler.by Jennifer Fowler (1971)
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Ravelation consists of two contrasting ideas: on the one hand, static, unchanging or slowly-moving elements without directional pull; and on the other, a directional movement, or "tendency". The basic shape of the "tendency" idea traces a gradual rise in intensity, followed by a partial falling back.
This shape may appear melodically: as a long curve upwards with a shorter return down. It may appear in the rhythmic spacing of notes; in the density of texture; in the intensity within a phrase; or in the relative length of phrases within a section. It may appear in the directioned movement of dynamics; the relative register used in sections of the piece; even in graduated control of bow attack.
The contrast between the one idea of relative stillness, and the other of the onward drive of the "tendency" shape, generates the tension of the piece. The two ideas are often present simultaneously: either in two instruments in the same parameter, or in one instrument in different parameters. Several simultaneous patterns may be gently counteracting each other's "tendencies", so that the crude higher-plus louder-plus-faster kind of directional movement is avoided in favour of a more subtle overlaying of patterns.
The notation of the piece is designed to indicate the importance of relativity in building these patterns. The moment that a particular event occurs in one instrument is sometimes necessarily stated in relation to the other instruments (as in the playing of chords). At other times the players are required to indulge in a flexible give-and-take of events, without the usual rhythmic guidelines (precise rhythmic notation). Micro-intervals, which are often asked for, are not always precisely notated. Sometimes notes are indicated, not by traditional means, but by instrumental fingerings, signs indicating shifts along the fingerboard, and so on.
The title Ravelation comes from the verb "to ravel" - to wind together (the opposite of "unravel"). It is dedicated to the memory of my father, who died while it was being written.
Pages: 1 score (21p. -- A4 (landscape))
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: 18 min.
First performance by Allegri Quartet, Terence Weil — 5 Jan 72. Wigmore Hall, London, UK
Work revised 1980.
Shared 1st prize, Radcliffe Music Award, 1971. 1st prize in chamber music section of Competition for Women Composers, GEDOK, Mannheim, Germany, 1975
This is a handwritten edition — it is not typeset.
This edition produced 1980.
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This work is also available in the following products:
CD: Works of Jennifer Fowler. Transcriptions Disc 5 : pieces for instrumental ensemble, and for strings.
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