Sean Sovine

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Publication Date

4-13-2008

Year of Release

2008

Note(s)

Sean Sovine

Natasha Beverly, Mary Heath, Brandon Layman, Kenny McElfish, Isaac Winland, Jackson Armstrong, trumpet

Pat Billups, John Galloway, Austin Seybert, Matt Murphy, trombone

Ian Thornton, guitar

Callie Huff, flute

Laura Johnson, oboe

Allie Hughes, clarinet

Adam Stephenson, basson

Nick Amis, horn

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music composition. Mr. Sovine is a student, of Dr. Mark Zanter.

Program Notes

Piece for 5 Trumpets - November, 2005 . . .

Piece for Five Trumpets is a fanfare-like work inspired by the memory of the music from action adventure movies that were some of my favorites growing up. The work has three main parts. The first section is a working over of the main theme heard in the first four measures. The second section is made up of secondary themes interspersed with episodes of counterpoint, and features march-like rhythms and suspenseful harmonic motion. The final section is a recapitulation of the main theme with a brief counterpoint episode.

Brass Trio-November, 2005

The Brass Trio began as a sketch for a short guitar piece. It features moving lines that create coloristic harmonies as they interact. The chords in this piece are impressionistic shadings that explore different quasi-modal relationships around a loosely established tonal center.

Four Short Pieces- August, 2005 - March, 2007

There are four pieces in this collection and each is a different approach to the prelude-like short piece for solo guitar. They were composed individually over a period from summer of 2005 to the spring of 2007. No.1 was inspired by the works of Leo Brouwer that I performed in my guitar studies, and features syncopation and the juxtaposition of sections of different character. No.2 was somewhat inspired by 'the piano preludes of Chopin, which each contain a small expressive universe. No.3 maintains a continuous weaving of lines in rhythmic off-beats, inspired by the syncopated motion of Latin music. No.4 is filled with rich chords, between which there are episodes of linear or rhythmic music.

Textures for Trombone Quartet- May, 2007,

With Textures, I strove to create shapes and gestures and explore the sound of the trombone, without using melody or motive in a traditional sense. In this respect, one can hear the influence of electro-acoustic music. The four trombones interact rhythmically to create a changing sense of textural organization. Another quality which was explored as a sound and organizing factor is harmonic interval sets. Initially, a four note set was present with no thirds or sixths (interval classes 3 and 4), then the other eight pitches of the chromatic are introduced one by one and the interval set mutates, gradually including more third and sixth intervals.

Woodwind Quintet-January, 2008

In Woodwind Quintet, I explore the possibilities of contour, motives and rhythmic development. The piece begins with a trill which accelerates into a long tone. This basic idea is contrasted with lines with more shape, such as the quick descent or ascent, or their combination, the arc. As the piece progresses lines are developed and in the process each instrument is highlighted, making it the focus for a short period of time. The flow of the group gestures is balanced by moments of repose through long tones and silences.

Three Electronic Pieces - November, 2007

During S-39, an interaction plays out between percussive beat-like gestures and a recorded guitar improvisation, all the while accompanied by a ubiquitous and constantly changing static/windlike sound.

Electronic No. 5 features a recorded improvisation which has been altered with effects and editing tools. In addition to waveform effects such as distortion, this material is often manipulated to simulate radical contrasts of acoustic space through use of delays, reverbs and stereo field adjustments. The percussive drum-like sound of a prepared guitar is a recurring foreground element. This sound was created by the placing of a plastic object between the strings of the guitar and the fretboard.

Electronic No.4 is a brief but spacious sonic meditation with contrasting long ringing and short metallic sounds. Source sounds include recordings of a ring and a tuning fork as well as a few synthesized sounds. While editing this piece, I imagined a brief period of suspended time.

Note

Jomie Jazz Center

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Fine Arts | Music | Music Performance

Marshall University Music Department presents a Senior Recital, Sean Sovine

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