Christopher Coleman
Scampata #1 (1982)
duration ca. 5:00
Instrumentation
for horn in F and trombone
Program Note
This five minute duet is based on a rhythmically driving octatonic theme, presented first in imitation. Constant meter changes characterize developments of the theme. The piece is shaped as a fast-slow-fast-fastest set of variations, with the use of the hocket technique in the second and third sections. The final section is marked Prestissimo possible and employs challenging meters such as 7/16 and 3/16 before a triumphal coda. The tonal language is primarily octatonic, with recognizable pitch centers and cadences. Scampata #1 was premiered by Peter Mason, horn and Kenneth Thompkins, trombone on April 12, 1987 at the American Society of University Composers National Conference, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
Technical Notes:
Difficulty - advanced college. The main problems lie in being able to make the constant meter changes at a fast tempo in the final section.
Range: Horn (written): from middle C to high Bb above the staff (one only). Tessitura is within the staff. Trombone: from D below the bass clef staff to A above middle C. Uses both bass and tenor clef. Requires F attachment. Tessitura is within the tenor clef staff.
Extended Techniques required: none