Stafylakis: Light Symbolic
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- Composer: Haralabos (Harry) Stafylakis (1982-)
- Format: Set of Parts
- Instrumentation: Piano, Percussion
- Work: Light Symbolic (2023)
- ISMN:
- Size: 8.3 x 11.0 inches
- Pages: 30
Description
Challenged to compose a showpiece for the SHHH!! ensemble that would fit thematically with their Starry Night program, I naturally turned for inspiration to one of my favorite subjects to amateurishly and inadequately explore: astronomy.
Cast in two movements, Light Symbolic assumes an idealized perspective on astronomical events occurring at massive scales that defy human intuition.
The first movement – the quiet violence of celestial motion – is a largely textural and atmospheric piece that expresses wonder at the incomprehensible rates of motion within and between solar systems, while recognizing that the violent dance of stars, planets, and other large bodies occurs within the graceful silence of the vacuum of space.
The second movement – death of a sun, act of creation – takes a more aggressive, rhythmically propulsive slant, an evocation of the process by which the elements are formed as the result of the death process of stars.
Throughout the work, I remind myself that these epic realities about the macro functions of our universe are primarily perceived by us denizens of Earth as the tiny, delightful twinkling of lights in the night sky, a symbolic irony that in itself inspires something ineffably artistic about the human experience.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Stafylakis: Light Symbolic
