Yin-Yang, A Dialogue between Two Grand Pianos

Yin & Yang: A Dialogue between two grand pianos

Yin & Yang are regarded by the Chinese as being the balancing, harmonizing factors of the universe. The are opposite energies that are totally dependent upon each other to survive. Yin energy is always found inside of yang and vice versa; they always interact with each other huts as the two piano parts do in this composition.

There are three elements that make up the composition Yin & Yang: two modified tone rows and a driving accented rhythm with its own dominating pitches. The pitches of the first tone row are initially presented in a quiet, whole note introduction that is developed as the work evolves. These pitches are immediately presented in a highly energized unison section in four octaves that plays a dominant role throughout the composition. That highly charged rhythmic theme returns in the final section of the work with a four-part fugue that leads to a recapitulation of the original theme.

A second modified tone row appears a third of the way into the composition in the form of a gentle dialogue between both pianos and immediately goes through a transformation of several different moods.

Throughout the work, the tow pianos are presented with the yin/yang interdependency concept in mind. Most typical of this certainly appears in the rhythmic section of the composition where are two forces find themselves in a game of Ping –Pong utilizing a driving accented rhythm and the pitches of d flat and e flat, plus several jazz oriented motifs as they forge ahead relentlessly.

Yin & Yang is mad up of numerous mood shifts in which I attempt to show off the beauty, energy and percussiveness of the piano. In order to achieve those moods I have utilized several twentieth century piano techniques including glissandos and tone clusters for color and energy purposes.