Blue Fire (2003)
Commissioned by clarinetist Jorge Montilla
10:30
clarinet, two violins, viola, cello
Notes
Fun fact: Within the flame of a candle, fire burns blue at approximately 1600 C.
Blue Fire is inspired by two different sources - the blue note harmonies of traditional jazz, and the volatile, ultimately self-destructive nature of fire. These two sources propel the work through a series of continuous variations, each based upon a fragment of a theme presented at the beginning of the work. However, unlike traditional variation form, a second theme overtakes the first theme through the course of the work, and eventually assists in "burning-up" the work, so to speak. This catalytic theme is briefly presented within the first dance-like variation, but is the only element to survive in the end, rising up through a slowly descending texture reminiscent of falling ash.
First prize recipient of the 25th Anniversary NACUSA Young Composers Competition
Premiered October 18, 2003
Auer Hall
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
Audio
Blue Fire
PDF Score excerpt