Saunders: Whispers
This item is made to order and typically ships within 2-3 weeks.
- Composer: Rebecca Saunders (1967-)
- Instrumentation: Violin
- Work: Whispers
- ISMN:
Description
Whispers is a melody. Fragments of melody, fragile, intimate, and expressive, are mostly played sempre molto flautando, either at sul tasto extreme or at sul pont. The solo explores quiet timbral nuances, mostly at the top of the lower strings.
Silence is the canvas - all threads of sound surface out of, and disappear into, silence. Imagine each fragment is framed in silence. The silences should be carefully weighed - they are never static and always in motion.
There are five sections.
A palette of timbres explores specific modes of vibrato, articulation, timbre, and dynamic. Every detail is important! - carefully trace and shape each fragment, exploring exact timbral nuance, differentiation, and extremes. Please note at mp the sound opens, is no longer so intimate and should be projected to the very back of the hall.
There are no time signatures. The graphics of the score shows the proportions of durations. Tempo 50 is the initial central tempo, but it is only a guideline. The basic pulse should vary from section to section. Minimum tempo can be circa 40. Further faster tempi are necessary moving on to reinforce the phrasing of the gestures. Explore the melodies to find your own tempo and interpretation. Keep the pulse always in motion, never stagnant - timeless, but avoid always avoid melancholy.
Rebecca Saunders, Berlin, August 2023
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Saunders: Whispers
