Mason: Inner Landscapes
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- Composer: Christian Mason (1984-)
- Instrumentation: Piano
- Work: Inner Landscapes (2019)
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.1 x 12.0 inches
- Pages: 28
Description
These three piano pieces, composed for the "Concours, Brin d'Herbe 2019," may be performed separately or as a collection, in which case they should be played in the given order. Though each piece is aimed at a different technical level (I. Elementary, II. Advanced, III. Intermediate), they have a common artistic aim: to connect musical expression with poetic inspiration. in particular, these pieces meditate on the emotional connection between our interior life and the vast and varied landscapes of the natural world all around us.
While composing I found myself re-reading Kathleen Raine (one of my favorite poets) and was struck by her statement (in the foreword to her "Selected Poems"): "‘Nature-poetry' is not what we write about nature, but rather the language of images in which nature daily speaks to us of the timeless, age-old mystery in which we participate. Nature communicates today what it told the earliest of humankind, and what it will tell future generations when our modern high-rise cities are no more. Meanings, moods, the whole scale of our inner experience, finds in nature the ‘correspondences' through which we may know our boundless selves. Nature is the common, universal language, understood by all."
What she says about nature resonates with my understanding of music, which also sometimes affords us an opportunity to know ‘our boundless selves'. and I am especially interested in the way that sounds – which, as vibrations in the air, are another aspect of nature – can reveal and heighten our sense of connectedness to ourselves and our surroundings.
Each movement is inspired by a single stanza from the poem "Amo Ergo Sum" by Kathleen Raine, and I would encourage anyone playing these pieces to devote time to internalising the words as well as the music, for they may contain the key to an accurate expression. As such, the relevant words are quoted at the start of each score.
"Inner Landscapes" is dedicated to Joe Browning, Lexy Oliver and Omar Shahryar.
(Christian Mason, 2018)
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Mason: Inner Landscapes
