Henning's Headquarters

[Karl Henning]

Once more unto the breach. About to start the last duet of the Opus 201. Planning to break up work with a nap and (if not too hot) a trip to the Library.

[Karl Henning]

Once more unto the breach. About to start the last duet of the Opus 201. Planning to break up work with a nap and (if not too hot) a trip to the Library.

The long and the short of it is: when downing tools yesterday, I was not at all sure I cared for what I'd written. I've repeatedly endorsed in the past the wisdom that the eraser is the composer's friend (often at times when I seldom sought out that friendship) and, having slept on it, I have ruled that a fresh start is called for. But, as it's now 86°, first a short nap.

[Karl Henning]

The long and the short of it is: when downing tools yesterday, I was not at all sure I cared for what I'd written. I've repeatedly endorsed in the past the wisdom that the eraser is the composer's friend (often at times when I seldom sought out that friendship) and, having slept on it, I have ruled that a fresh start is called for. But, as it's now 86°, first a short nap.

Well, I have recanted! Before actually creating a Sibelius file for "a new number Seven," ("You are number Six") I listened anew to the 16 measures I composed yesterday, and found that whatever artistic hostility I had conceived against it was uncalled for. work proceeds! The record will show, however, that I did not scorn to consider erasure!

[Karl Henning]

Seven Flute Duets in Seven Days: Day Eight

[Karl Henning]

Seven Flute Duets in Seven Days: Day Eight

I've sent the Sibelius files to Lux Nova. And I've sent preview copy of the entire set to Peter & Carol, and four of the seven to my recorder-playing friends Josh and Greta.

[Karl Henning]

Made a start on a piece for two bass clarinets (since both Dan & Todd play bass: Lamentatio pro sorore sua.

(* typo *)

[Karl Henning]

Initium Lamentatio

[Cato]

Seven Flute Duets in Seven Days: Day Eight

Note that the score is an excellent finale to the previous 6 duets, in that it continues the same simple-hymn atmosphere and (often) continues the use of a modal sound e.g. Phrygian.

[Karl Henning]

Note that the score is an excellent finale to the previous 6 duets, in that it continues the same simple-hymn atmosphere and (often) continues the use of a modal sound e.g. Phrygian.

Befitting the purpose of publication, I took the pieces as a challenge to write in as interesting a manner as i could, in the simplest musical language.

[Cato]

Initium Lamentatio

So much of interest to hear in just one page!  Note the little polyphonic tricks right from the beginning, e.g. Bars 9 - 14.

And note the softer passages: the dissonances become more expressive when the volume is lowered.

I am enthused to discover how things will develop!

[Karl Henning]

Remembering the Plotting in Delray Beach

[Karl Henning]

Remembering the Plotting in Delray Beach

134 views.

[Cato]

Remembering the Plotting in Delray Beach

What was that not-particularly-good piece by Hovhaness?   

Let's get some more views!

[Karl Henning]

hat was that not-particularly-good piece by Hovhaness?

Duet for Violin and Harpsichord, Op. 122

[Karl Henning]

Lamentatio consummatus

[Cato]

Duet for Violin and Harpsichord, Op. 122

This seems to be the work, but the labeling is unclear: c. 3 minutes in length and rather tedious and disconnected?

Lurch would not have liked it, I think!   

[Karl Henning]

This seems to be the work, but the labeling is unclear: c. 3 minutes in length and rather tedious and disconnected?

Lurch would not have liked it, I think! 

Dan Pinkham was the organist/Music Director at King's Chapel, he and I corresponded briefly when I landed in Boston. He must be the harpsichordist. I wonder if Hovhaness may have written the piece for Dan. Wow, was the piece really that brief? Why yes it is, per the official website. @JBS did note the three mvts: 1. Prelude; 2. Haiku; 3. Aria. And dismissing the Prelude and haiku as inferior film cues is perfectly fair.

[Karl Henning]

Lamentatio consummatus

I've reached out to Dan and Todd about perhaps adding this to the Dark Side of the Dance Floor program on 5 Sep. They're in!

[Cato]

Dan Pinkham was the organist/Music Director at King's Chapel, he and I corresponded briefly when I landed in Boston. He must be the harpsichordist. I wonder if Hovhaness may have written the piece for Dan. Wow, was the piece really that brief? Why yes it is, per the official website. @JBS did note the three mvts: 1. Prelude; 2. Haiku; 3. Aria.

And dismissing the Prelude and haiku as inferior film cues is perfectly fair.

First thing I thought of: bad movie music from a 1960's crime drama.

The Aria is spoiled by the monotonous banging of chords from the harpsichord: that the piece is short is a recommendation!    

[Karl Henning]

First thing I thought of: bad movie music from a 1960's crime drama.

The Aria is spoiled by the monotonous banging of chords from the harpsichord: that the piece is short is a recommendation!   

I've found so much to like in Hovhaness' œuvre, that this artistic mis-step almost surprises me.