Tune of the Day: Considérations
Today's piece was kindly contributed to our collection by guest composer Paul Merkus.
The “Considérations” for flute and piano is a larger piece featuring a long build-up from small to large. It begins with the exposition of the main theme with a simple accompaniment in a movement of quarter notes. The theme is then repeated with a more lavish accompaniment and a slightly different conclusion that turns into a first intermezzo with an ostinato tapping motif in the tenor voice. After this, the main theme returns, this time with decorative allusions and a modulating transition to a more exuberant character. The contrast is great with a second, now much quieter intermezzo, which begins in a minor key (with a chromatically descending bass line) but gradually starts to resemble the main theme, which then makes itself heard again. This time, however, with a richly modulating accompaniment in triplets. The piece closes grandly with a powerful accompaniment of full and often alternative chords (with occasionally driving bass motifs), culminating in a coda with again a chromatically descending bass line and a closing cadence full of diminished chords.