related works

In Unison : Concerto for two pianos and orchestra / Joey Roukens

Genre: Orchestra
Subgenre: Piano and orchestra
Scoring: 2pf-solo picc 2fl 3ob 2cl cl-b 2fg cfg 4h 3tpt 3trb timp 3perc cel str

Sonata a tre : per flauto, corno e pianoforte / Peter Visser

Genre: Chamber music
Subgenre: Mixed ensemble (2-12 players)
Scoring: fl h pf

Introduction, theme and variations : for violin and guitar, 1983 / Henk Badings

Genre: Chamber music
Subgenre: Mixed ensemble (2-12 players)
Scoring: g vl

A 5-minute girl : modern ragtime for 4 players, flute, alto saxophone, harp, violin, 1980 / Chiel Meijering

Genre: Chamber music
Subgenre: Mixed ensemble (2-12 players)
Scoring: fl sax-a hp vl

composition

In Transit : for string quartet and percussion / Joey Roukens

Other authors:
Roukens, Joey (Composer)
Description:
In Transit is a 15-minute piece for string quartet and percussion, in which the music sounds as if it is continually in flux, like a kind of endless search for stability, which is not reached until the last five minutes of the piece. The first ten minutes are highly energetic, vibrant and with a strong rhythmic element, full of syncopations that may evoke the sound of rock and electronic dance music. Because of the music’s persistent forward momentum, the listener feels as if he is in transit on a journey and doesn’t know what his destination will be. Sometimes the music becomes more threatening and dark, other times it sounds more uplifting and groovy. Also, sometimes the music takes a ‘wrong turn’ (such as the short slow intermezzo, after which the energy of before is quickly restored and the old road retaken). After 9 or so minutes the music gets more and more intense and finally explodes into a ferocious, plaintive climax. It is only after the climax has faded away that the piece reaches its destination in its last five minutes, where the restless energy gives way to a slow, expressive chorale-like conclusion.