Christopher Kaufman


The Phoenix

Instrumentation3(picc), 3 (eh),3(bcl),3(cbsn) / 4/3/3/1 / tmp + 3 pc, pno / strings
Length9'
DifficultyMedium to Difficult
CommentsThe Phoenix is dedicated to the city of New York. It deals with the events of 9/11 but focuses on the transformative theme of the myth and ends with celebration. A one movement work with three major divisions: Clouds of Memory, The Phoenix Awakens, and The City Dances. The finale is powerful, colorful and enthusiastic.
SourcesChristopher Kaufman
111-56 76th Drive #B1
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-793-2026
email: ckaufman5@nyc.rr.com
manager: http://www.jamesarts.com
website:http://www.chkaufman.com
Extras
History-
Contributorthe composer
Otherpres./dir/ CHIRON Performing Arts
the American Composers Alliance

Island ('eeslahnd')

Instrumentation3(picc), 3 (eh),3(bcl),3(cbsn) / 4/3/3/1 / tmp + 3 pc, pno, hrp / strings and Narrator
Length14'30', 17', or 30"
DifficultyMedium to Difficult
CommentsIsland uses Icelandic poetry to tell a story on a number of levels. The first section is a landscape painting of Iceland; with glacial mountains, clear skies and volcanic undercurrent. The music reaches the shoreline and ocean and an original poem for this work by Icleandic poet Bill Holm injects 'figurative' content -- the Icelander's historic journey west. The movement into the sea, which represents the subconscious realm, brings full realization of mythological content as the listeners meet Aegir - the god of the sea, weather a massive tempest and witness battle with a sea serpent (depending on which version is chosen for performance). The conclusion is peaceful and dramatic, representing both the completion of Icelandic myth (as 'the new earth rises from the sea') and fulfills the historic content ('reaching vinland'). The text at the very begining of Island (pron. 'eeslahnd' ) is that of the prophetess Sybil (i.e. 'creation myth' material). The entire work is also symbolic of the personal journey.
SourcesChristopher Kaufman
111-56 76th Drive #B1
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-793-2026
email: ckaufman5@nyc.rr.com
manager: http://www.jamesarts.com
website:http://www.chkaufman.com
Extras
HistoryCommissioned by the Daniel Rieppel and the Southwestern Minnesota Orchestra. Premiered there November 10,11 of 2001.
Contributorthe composer
Other

Rieppelmusic

InstrumentationSinfonietta:1,1,1,1 - 1,1,1 - pc, solo strings.
Length9' 20"
DifficultyDifficult
CommentsRieppelmusic was written for friend and new music champion (and Schubert expert) Daniel Rieppel. It is a very colorful, rhythmic and enthusiastic piece in Rondo form. Many positive responses from both audiences and musicians.
SourcesChristopher Kaufman
111-56 76th Drive #B1
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-793-2026
email: ckaufman5@nyc.rr.com
manager: http://www.jamesarts.com
website:http://www.chkaufman.com
Extras
HistoryPremiered - Cornell festival Chamber Orchestra, composer conducting.
Contributorthe composer
Other

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