Nature's Breath for chamber orchestra

• Date: 1984 -1985
• Composer: Tod Machover
• Period: Modern (1910-1949)

Review

Although the composer is widely known for his pioneering use of "live" computer sounds in performance, this is a work for a chamber ensemble comprising string quartet, woodwind quintet, string bass, harp, and two percussionists. It is a cool and delicate piece evoking the spirit of the Taoist Chinese sage, Chuang Tzu, who wrote the poem that inspired it. It is in a freely chromatic post-Serial style, perhaps strange to the average listener familiar with the mainstream Classical repertory, but readily understandable and touching if the listener does not let the strangeness impede her attention.

Although divided into three sections, the entire work is based on a long, undulating melodic line that serves as a kind of cantus firmus, a theme than is usually present in the work while several aspects of it are commented on or varied at the same time. The work first works out harmonic implications of the theme, then explores it as the source of new sound-colors until forward progress almost stops. At that point the rhythmic nature of the theme kicks in with minute rhythmic cells from the theme, overlapping in minimalist fashion. This coalesces into a unison rhythmic statement, then relaxes into a gentle conclusion ~ Joseph Stevenson, Rovi

Albums with Complete Performances of the Work

Title	Date
Tod Machover: Spectres	1993

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