Austin: Capricornus Caribbicus
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- Composer: Elizabeth Austin (1938-)
- Format: Set of Parts
- Instrumentation: Piano, Flute, Oboe
- Work: Capricornus Caribbicus (1998)
- Size: 9 x 12.0 inches
Description
Composer's Note:
This music was commissioned by Maria Degenfeld Miller on behalf of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the Virginia Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, who was a Capricorn and who owned the beautiful home, Cashmere, in Barbados.
The punctuated rhythms and syncopations of African derivation which overlaid the contradance, the most popular dance in the Caribbean during the nineteenth century, combined to form the first musical genre that truly had a Caribbean character. The fast, upbeat opening Danza reflects these influences. Besides turning itself into a percussive "wood drum' at times, the piano also simulates the low, deep rolling sea (can you hear where this passage is?!).
The Beatitude of Movement II's title acknowledges those physically blind, but not spiritually. This middle movement is calm and expectant, as if one is hearing and seeing in a world different than our own. Upwardly spiraling passages signal a heavenly direction. "Purity of heart" indicates single-mindedness, indicated by the main theme.
The final movement brings together many threads from Mrs. Miller's full and many-faceted life. Having been born in Bavaria, she spent many years in Cuba where her husband was with the American Embassy: a waltz rhythm turns into the dotted notes of the habenera. Her lovely farm in Charlottesville called forth a quote from "In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia", woven together with a popular Latin American melody.
The composer, as well as Mrs. Miller at the premiere of this music, is in the "September' time of life. When the original flutist mentioned that one of her favorite songs was "The September Song", Movement III's title was foreordained. You'll recognize the musical quote!
This music shifts between modal and polytonal figures. The composer continues to be interested in slight, incremental changes, for example, in phrase length or melodic figures. (Perhaps music charts a progress of how we change as human beings.) If the formal design were analyzed, one would discover dramatic musical events occurring at points one-third, one half, and two-thirds of the way through each movement.
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.
Austin: Capricornus Caribbicus
