Incantation (1995)
For solo violin
Commissioned and premiered by Catherine Tait in Rochester, NY in 1995
Viola version was premiered by Colin Belisle on 18 June 2006, at the New England Conservatory, Boston, MA
Duration: 5 minutes
 |
Click to hear an excerpt from this work |
Incantation for solo violin, composed in 1995, is one of the earliest works by Augusta Read Thomas which has not been withdrawn by the composer. It also represents a snap shot into Augusta's long love affair with the strings, and the violin in particular, an instrument for which she has composed many works (some withdrawn, others published by G. Schirmer) including: Spirit Musings for solo violin and chamber orchestra, and Rumi Settings for violin and cello.
Incantation was composed for Cathryn Tait, who, at the time, was dying of cancer. Cathryn presented the premiere performance, beautifully, a few weeks before her death, in a very touching recital.
The short, 5-minute, work celebrates Cathryn's generosity of spirit. The music sings out, with beauty and grace, always with a richness and elegance. The work falls loosely into an ABA from, ending as it were, on a question, with a major seventh hanging in the air, unresolved.
To obtain examination or performance material for any of Augusta Read Thomas's works, please contact G. Schirmer Inc..