Output details

'Centauromachy' double concerto for clarinet and flugelhorn

Centauromachy is a double concerto for clarinet in A and flugelhorn, instruments of distinct but not dissimilar timbres. The work was inspired by centaurs, mythical creatures that appear to have the torso of a man joined at the waist to the body of a horse. They are essentially fantastical beasts, simultaneously combining two distinct natures in one body. On the one hand this may account for their wisdom, making them intelligent teachers, whilst also making them impulsive and lustful, trapped in a kind of limbo between their two inherent characters: wild and yet capable of civilised behaviour.

Chiron, teacher of Achilles, is the superior of all centaurs and he features in a dreaming state in the second movement. Centaurs are well known for being heavy drinkers, capable of violent and delinquent behaviour. Chiron, however, was highly intelligent and kind. The battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths features in the fourth movement. The piece ends with an Elegeia for Chiron, who died sacrificing himself in order that man might obtain the use of fire.

The five movements are:

Two natures: compares and contrasts the solo instruments, which move from a relatively narrow pitch space to more distinct registral territories.

Chiron’s dream: introduces the orchestra, in grand cinematic gesture. Soloist gestures bind them against the tutti, with a deliberately restless treatment of material.

A centaur glimpsed through trees: is the centrepiece of the work, liberating the soloists from the tutti and each other, creating a strong sense of aural perspective. Perhaps there’s a touch of Feldman in the orchestral chords, whereas the soloists’ material expands on elements from the first movement

Pitched battle: frames the soloists against the tutti, whilst further exploring each instrument’s affinity with sections of the orchestra.

Elegeia: explores elongated melodic and rhythmic gestures.