Sheet Music: ScoreZen variations : for solo piano / Michael Hannan.by Michael Hannan (1982)
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Product details
Zen Variations takes as its starting point a chant-like
melody that I wrote and harmonised in an earlier work, Seven
Studies for Single Hands for piano (1981), and it subjects this
melody to a number of extreme transformations.
The melody itself without any harmony added appears at first to
be in the Phrygian mode but finds a final resolution that implies
the Ionian mode. The harmonisation for the right hand in the
source composition forms a series of dissonant three-note chords
all of which contain a 7th or a ninth between the melody note and
the lowest note. Transported to Zen Variations this chord
sequence is accompanied by a low C pedal tone which transforms
the tune into the Aeolian mode.
The second manifestation of the melody uses octave displacement
as the main variation principle. This time each note of the
dislocated melody is accompanied by a note that is a seventh or a
ninth lower. Each attack has a different dynamic marking and
there is a great degree of rhythmic and metrical variety compared
to the regularity of the initial tune.
In the third manifestation the melody is elongated into a shape
influenced by solo shakuhachi music (honkyoku) with its
combination of long held tones and quick grace notes. This
left-hand line is accompanied by a right-hand commentary
involving both counter-melodic elements and chordal support.
The last manifestation continues the octave displacement idea but
the tones of the melody are hidden within a network of flamboyant
dissonant gestures which are in turn interrupted by repeated
gong-like harmonics produced from the lowest C on the piano.
What has Zen Variations to do with Zen? That's a musical
riddle to contemplate.
Published by: Wirripang [9790720133706] — 1 score (7p. -- A4 (landscape))
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: 9 mins, 50 sec.
Dedicated to Anthony Fogg
Includes programme note and biographical notes on the composer.
Typeset edition.
ISMN: 9790720133706
Related products
This work is also available in the following products:
CD: A little variation / Jeanell Carrigan, piano.
Score: Piano music. Volume I / Michael Hannan.
- Browse other works published by Wirripang
- Browse other works for Solo Piano
- Browse other works by Michael Hannan
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