The Light Fantastic (2001)
for violin, cello and piano (2001)
Duration: 14 min.
The title of this piece is drawn from the phrase 'tripping the light fantastic', which reflects the overall off-kilter energy in this work. All four movements aim to convey a sense of the unexpected, whether mysterious, humorous or over-the-top exuberant.
The opening movement, Electric, serves as a brief introduction that layers aggressive passages over contrasting, serene material. Passionate cadenza-like statements are passed around the instruments, accompanied by a sparse and sustained background. Softly the night… is the work's central movement in terms of dramatic weight. This gentle nocturne is characterized by soft, fluttering tremolos and languid, twisting phrases that fade in and out of the texture. The third movement, A Little Waltz Music, is a musical narrative. All instruments begin with a trite little tune, but as the waltz disintegrates and goes increasingly awry, one member of the ensemble remains resolute, creating a ridiculous interplay between extremely tense, dissonant music and a nonchalant C major triad. Shake it Up is a light-hearted and somewhat bombastic movement that features a driving, boogie-woogie bass line and nonstop energy.