Aphorisms: Serenade for Strings

PATRICK WICKLIFFE

PATRICK WICKLIFFE APHORISMS

SERENADE FOR STRINGS

Table of Contents

Title Page i

Contents, Duration, Program Note ii-iii

Aphorisms: Score

Part 1 (20’)

1. solemn, sostenuto; tranquil (8’30) pp. 1–20

2. tempo giusto (3’30) pp. 21–29

3. sicilienne; frenetic, feverish; exuberant (8’) pp. 31–61

Part 2 (17’)

4. gently, serene; tempo giusto, sprightly (5’30) pp. 63–80

5. sostenuto; Allegro molto (5’) pp. 81–93

6. frenetic; melancholic, ghostly; maestoso (6’30) pp. 95–117

Total Duration: 37’

Program Note

Aphorisms is a constellation of fugues in neo-classical style, each a different manifestation of the process. The work may be performed in part or in whole. This work was drafted in 2017 and revised as Version A for strings in 2022. Version B (see below) for orchestra is also available.

The first movement, featuring a prelude and utilizing mixed meter, is inspired by chant, also drawing inspiration from Ralph Vaughan Williams and Richard Strauss. The second movement breaks into a dense cacophony. The third movement, in three distinct sections, explores double fugue by pitting an ornery figure against fluid backdrops. The

fourth movement features an ‘aria’ prelude and assumes an heroic brogue, experimenting with doubled and even tripled textures. The fifth movement features an atonal ‘Farben’ prelude and a canonic treatment of a theme reminiscent of an obscure Mozart sketch, lost until recent discovery. The sixth movement features a final prelude drawing inspiration from Dmitri Shostakovich and a bizarre five-voice ‘chroma’ whose roving harmony acquiesces into the D-centric universe from whence the work originates.

An orchestration is available:

Version B

3.3.4.3. | 4.3.3.1 | timp, 4 perc, hp | strings