related works
Gabriël : for trumpet solo and orchestra, 2002 / Ron Ford
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Trumpet and orchestra
Scoring:
fl(pic fl-a) fl 2ob 2cl 2fg 2h 2trb perc pf str trp-solo
Sonata : voor violoncello en pianoforte / Harold C. King
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Cello and keyboard instrument
Scoring:
vc pf
Cantatelle : voor sopraan, klarinet en piano, opus 873, 1994 / Jan van Dijk
Genre:
Vocal music
Subgenre:
Voice and instrument(s)
Scoring:
sopr cl pf
Taptoe : voor gemengd koor en tape, 1995-1996 / tekst: Paul van Ostaijen, Simon Burgers
Genre:
Vocal music
Subgenre:
Mixed choir; Multimedia and singing voice(s) with or without instrument(s)
Scoring:
GK4 tape
composition
Al-Fâtiha / Ron Ford
Other authors:
Ford, Ron
(Composer)
Description:
Program note (English): In the recitation of the Koran, the singer balances between speaking recitation and sung aria. When I was asked to write a piece for the Volharding, I wanted to try to get a new sound from the group. It was not my idea to write a solo concerto, but more a piece wherin one player continually gave information to the group. This function quickly became that of a reciter, and thus the link with the Koran was complete. Al-fatiha is in various ways based on the first verse of the Koran, titled 'the opening'. Throughout the piece the trombone part is derived from this performance of the Koran verse, and the soloist is continously feeding information to the rest of the ensemble. The ensemble reacts upon this information with shadow notes and harmonies, articulation, and unexpected interruptions. Later in the piece it is the (Arabic) text that steers the music. Syllabes and words are translated into a stuttering, spattering tutti. In the end, it is the singer himself (on tape) that
leads the piece towards its end. The recording begins close and intimate, and changes slowly to the acoustics of a mosque, and finally ends in the beautifully distorted sound recognizable as that of the Koran thrown into the world from the turrets. - RON FORD