Ellis Island

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — Ellis Islandxa0is driven by a fast-moving melody in E minor first carried by violin I, either as a solo or a section. The steady rhythmic pulse of the accompaniment figures in the other sections is integral in providing support for the main melody. The Fast-Slow-Fast framework of the piece also features a lush, moving middle section.The aggressive Fast section, played with rhythmic precision and emotional intensity, includes challenges in each part. The fiery sixteenth-note passages in m.2 and m.9 of the 'A' material recur throughout, featuring players' technique in executing fast-moving lines. Accompaniment phrases such as in m. 19 require the upper strings and bass to play staccato figures together and provide a solid rhythmic foundation. The 'B' material at m. 28 focuses on a rich,xa0legatoxa0tone from the ensemble as the melodic and harmonic rhythm shifts before returning to the quick, moving lines again at m. 35.The middle, Slow section at m. 58 moves to the key of D major and is played with a singingxa0legato tone from all sections. Violin I begins with the melody and hands it off to the cello in m. 66. The melody soars in the violin's upper register during the tonal shift to the key of C major and continues in the same manner harmonized in sixths as it returns to the key of D major in m. 74.The transition back to the Fast section in E minor at m. 76, provides challenges in intonation and technique as the pieces shifts tonalities with fast moving melodies. The recapitulation of the 'A' material is more intense as there is more melodic and rhythmic interplay between the sections. The ensemble ends the piece powerfully with axa0tutti figure of the recurring sixteenth-note motif. One can envision and feel the "immigrant" experience in this rhythmically propelled composition. Featuring strong thematic development, contrasting harmonies and a modern feel, Ellis Island is sure to be a hit with audiences!