Parlor Music for Vibraphone, Clarinet, Violoncello and Piano - 7 Min.; Vibra 2 Mallets
Parlor Music
is a dance piece with clear references to Astor Piazzola and
mid-twentieth century jazz, among other things. There are two
predominant moods in the piece. In the first half there is melancholy
and introspection, like with the woman in the beautiful drawing by
Louisa Varalta by the same title. Here the dance movement becomes at
times almost completely internalized, particularly where the vibraphone
with its evocative pitch bends and the accompanying music draw the
listener inwards. At other times the soft dance rhythms, instead of
drawing the dancer on her feet only help to add to the loneliness and
stillness of the moment. In the second half, there is a very short
musical ‘invitation’ and the dance suddenly begins. It is still driven
by a manic energy rather than pleasure and it ends as abruptly as it
began.