Clamavi (1974)

Piano – 13 min.
Publisher – Seesaw Music

Audio

Score

Coming Soon

Program Note

Clamavi (“I have cried out”) is a musical reflection on the meaning and sound of the third word of the Latin “De Profundis” (Out of the depths I have cried out to you, Lord.)
Clamavi is written in a style intended to provide a heightened sensitivity to musical time and space. One important element is the extensive repetition of rapid note sequences with tone color modification created by variation in pedaling, dynamics, balancing and articulation, a technique associated with electronic music. The composer readily admits to many conscious and subconscious influences: the minimalism of Steve Reich and Terry Riley, the sensitivity of George Crumb, the mysticism of Messiaen, the stochastic shapes of Xenakis, the visceral power of Penderecki. Clamavi grapples with the problem of reflecting these influences within the confines of traditional piano techniques (no amplification or “inside-the-piano”).