English Electrism

George Benjamin Three Inventions

I listened to Three Inventions by George Benjamin which was written for a combination of winds, brass, harp, piano , and percussion. The first solo by the flugel horn in the introduction stood out to me because of the harmonic changes that were implied in the melodic line of the solo. Each individual invention was very distinguished and developed. The first invention had a lustrous and radiant mood while its contrasting second invention had a faster tempo and was grander and more percussive. The third invention imitates the first invention but features a different tonality.

Marc Anthony Turnage Blood on the Floor

My first impression of this piece was that it sounded like a show tune. The lively tempo and syncopated rhythm were the foundation of this impression. My favorite parts included the jazz solos that were featured in the piece which I found to be very fitting for the style of the music.