Harmonia Mundi

David Crumb

General Info

Year: 2001
Duration: c.
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Manuscript
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Player I:
Player II:

Piano (2)

Program Notes

I view composing for two pianos as analogous to scoring for two orchestras, since each piano occupies an independent acoustical space. In the slow first section of Harmonia Mundi, I explore this spatial relationship through the use of various antiphonal effects. The alternation between normal and muted tones characteristic of the opening theme is one example of responsorial technique. In the animated middle section, I am most intrigued by the possibilities of pure color. Here the texture is replete with tremolo effects, passages involving parallel triads, splashes of diatonic clusters, all of which are enhanced by the colorful use of resonating percussion. A polytonal/polychordal fabric pervades much of the piece, suggesting a world of harmony, or perhaps, as in the title, "Harmony of the World."

Harmonia Mundi was originally composed for Quattro Mani (duo-pianists Susan Grace and Alice Rybak), and premiered in August 2001.

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

Awakening - Multiple Percussion, Trumpet
Harmonia Mundi Percussion Duo, Pianos (2)
Kinetikus - Percussion Ensemble (12) - Mallet Ensemble
The Whisperer - Percussion Duo, Pianos (2)