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Info
Duration: 13'10"
Style: Experimental | Contemporary Classical
Ensemble: Electric Guitar Ensemble
Sound Source: Electric Guitars and Basses
Recording Device: Computer
The Story
The electric guitar is one of the most influental instruments of our time but still quit uncommon in classical music. With Cosmos there is now a thirteen minute concerto explicitly composed for a live electric guitar and bass ensemble in a classical setting while preserving the characteristic style of electric guitar music.
Why Cosmos? I have always been a fan of science fiction.
The Music
The music could be described as equally inspired by Stravinsky as well as Metallica; the sound of the distorted guitars and basses is in many places, as expected, powerful and energetic; at other places, however, it is subtle and expressive, to the point that the listener is surprised that electric guitars can sound so delicate and magical.
There are three parts to the concerto, the first being Space, which sets the tone for the entire piece with its haunting main theme, driving rhrythms and its ambient sounds. The second part Moonwalk gives the listener a moment to take a breath and enjoy the dazzling scenery of an uncharted planet. Flight!, the third part of the concerto, tabs deep into the the world of driving electric guitar riffs while at the same time being counterpointed by polytonal and syncopated elements usually associated with music such as Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring".
The Ensemble
Cosmos – a concerto for eight electric guitars and four electric basses has been composed with an actual live ensemble in mind. Upon request there is a full ensemble score for the concerto available. Also, for all who want to dig deeper into the making of the music, there is a manuscript which was the basis for the full score.
