Nostalgia for Vibraphone (Preview)

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qualities communicated in the paintings of Leestemaker, and Arctic Symphony (2010), where electroacoustic material is utilised in order to more effectively allow the listener to intuit the natural soundscapes from which the work emerged, as well as the sense of wonder experienced by the composer. Additionally, traditional classical music forms and the physical properties of the instruments and ensembles for which Ho writes are all inherent influences in his diverse and creative output. His music is sensual, sonorous and richly textured, and Ho gives considerable attention to the audience’s experience of his intricate sound-worlds. Latest information about the composer may be found at www.vinceho.com. PE154 – iv
Nostalgia (2011) Nostalgia—in its original form, scored for vibraphone and orchestra—constitutes part of the second movement of The Shaman (a concerto for percussion and orchestra). The arrangement for solo vibraphone herein was originally conceived of as an encore piece for The Shaman. However, it is now also considered a stand-alone work, and an alternate arrangement for solo piano is also available. Catalysed by Ho’s affinity with various artistic mediums (such as photography, painting and poetry), Nostalgia is a work which invites the listener to traverse moments of the composer’s past. It opens with maudlin melodic gestures supported by sparse chordal material which convey a sense of longing and wistful sentiment instilled in the composer by Barber and Leestermaker. As the underlying harmonic activity increases rhythmically, the idiosyncrasies of the vibraphone are exhibited and contribute to a gradual thickening in texture. The tempo gently escalates which sees the work give way to a series of rhythmically nonspecific flourishes. These flourishes culminate in a brief senza misura section, before notes reminiscent of the tender opening motions ‘drift away’ at the works close. The composer writes: Nostalgia was initially inspired by three things: a photo taken by Doug Barber of an old man looking out of a window during sunset, a painting by Luc Leestemaker (Voyager #3), and an accompanying poem to the painting by the same artist titled Voyager (about an endearing childhood memory). These three works shared a nostalgic quality that warranted musical interpretation. However, in order for me to capture this emotion, I had to search through my own personal history to find the one memory that brought me the same bittersweet longing; a moment in my life that I have treasured and kept close to my heart. Once I had found it, I was brought back to that sacred emotional space and the music soon wrote itself. Nostalgia has been taken from The Shaman, which was commissioned by The National Arts Centre (Canada), The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and The Manitoba Arts Council. The PE154 – v
Page 1: PROMETHEAN EDITIONS VINCENT HO Nost
Page 4 and 5: Nostalgia (PE154), for Vibraphone
Page 8 and 9: work is dedicated to Dame Evelyn Gl
Page 10 and 11: & bb b 4 2 ˙ 4 3 ˙ œ 8 3 + 7 8
Page 12: PROMETHEAN EDITIONS

Nostalgia for Vibraphone (Preview)

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