What is a Programmatic CONCERTO GROSSO?

Composer/Artist, Marlane Tubridy explains the background to her newest release, Rhythmic Conversation a Concerto Grosso for Two Solo Guitars, Solo Piano and orchestra. A Concerto Grosso involves more than ONE soloists in an orchestral piece which are a major part of the development of the music. It can even be a "small group." In this case, it is Two Solo Acoustic Guitars and a Solo Piano.

A PROGRAMMATIC concerto grosso has an imaginary drama in the piece and through

the development and use of its themes and orchestration, develops the "imaginary" story line through the development of the orchestral piece.

What is the 'imaginary' story in Rhythmic Conversation?

From the composer, Marlane Tubridy:

Hi

I'm Marlane. This is a brief story of how the "imaginary" storyline developed in this new orchestral piece and the solo instruments that would 'carry' that story audibly.

I began to "hear" a short melody in my head.

Rhythmical. Strong. Joyous.

Two strong sets of triplets, then two emphasized eighth notes!

Wow! What a rhythm. What audible fun!

In addition to this strong thematic rhythm, came a melody in the minor key "latching" on to its pattern. Then I heard a solo guitar proclaim the theme. Followed by another guitar "answering" back with the same phrase. The orchestra imitates them.

The piano breaks into declaring its own pensive melody or theme later in the piece.

Back and forth to one another like a "conversation."

As the music developed and contined, I began to "see" it unfold as a story

set through music. A story set in music alone. No words.

The "friends" are two solo guitars and a solo piano...

an orchestra is listening to their conversation.

Here's a little "feel" to the piece: To the "voices" of the friends and the listening orchestra...

Two of the friends are in a great mood and enjoying speaking with each other.

The third has something on his or her mind.

Something is going on in their life.

Maybe a little sad or they are just pensive.

They are enjoying each other's company.

The two friends care.

They begin listening to the third friend.

They want to hear more.

The rest of the conversation evolves.

That is the scenario in my mind for this piece.

It was and is as real as if I am "staging" the scene for others to see, hear and share.

That "stage" for me, as a composer, came as a symphonic stage filled with an orchestra.

And that is how the piece Rhythmic Conversation developed and is in the form of a Programmatic Concerto Grosso in one movement. The total length of the piece is slightly under sixteen minutes.

In the next blog post, I will briefly explain difference between a 'Solo' Concerto and a 'Concrto Grosso'? See you in the next Blog post.

All the best

Composer/Artist Marlane Tubridy