Meditation, opus 16 by Neal Corwell
for solo with CD or piano/ keyboard accompaniment
Instrumentation:
euphonium or trombone solo accompanied by pre-recorded CD or piano or electronic keyboard (solo parts [in both bass and B-flat treble clef], accompaniment CD, and keyboard part are all provided)
Copyright: 1992
Duration: 7:00
Range: C to c-2
Difficulty: 3-4
Publisher: Nicolai Music
Price: $20 (includes accomp. CD, keyboard accomp. part, & solo parts in both treble & bass clef)
Other Info: Premiered in 1992 by Neal Corwell during a recital at Shepherd College, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
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This contemplative Meditation was composed in 1992 and premiered that same year in the CD-accompanied version. The live keyboard accompaniment was created shortly thereafter and may be used instead of the CD accompaniment.
Smooth lyrical lines and “quartal” harmonies (built on the interval of a fourth, instead of on thirds) dominate, and the wandering and restless nature of the movement’s melodies and harmonies are not resolved until the final cadence, a welcome and peaceful island of repose featuring a high sustained note for the soloist over the final accompaniment pulsations.
For accompaniment, the soloist has the choice of a pre-recorded CD, or live keyboard accompaniment. If using the live accompanist option, the keyboard part may be played either on a conventional acoustic piano or on an electronic piano/keyboard or synthesizer.
This piece was later used as the basis for the first movement of Dr. Corwell’s Meditation and Finale for euphonium strings, and piano, which was premiered in 1994.