Steps and Stops - J.W. Nelleke (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, cello, percussion)

This composition was written as a companion piece to William Walton's Façade, using the same combination of instruments (without narration) to make an hour long programme.

I aimed for a playful piece, involving all players equally and making full use of the colours offered by this unusual combination of instruments. Similar to the Façade, I wanted the music to make references to lighter music styles, but in a more modern way - rather 'funky'  than 'vaudeville'. I decided some serious components were needed for contrast, so it ended up being a through-composed piece with 4 clearly distinct sections and characters:

• Funky and lively

• Atmospheric hymns with capricious solos

• Solemnly fugal

• Playful and rhythmic

The interval of a second (i.e. a 'step' between two neighbouring notes) plays an important role in the musical material, as well as sudden pauses and changes ('stops') - hence the title.

Duration: 13'30

Publisher: Nutscale Music NM-2501