Robert Kyr is a world renowned composer. He has studied with many well-known composers including Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, George Crumb, and George Rochberg. His music has been performed by numerous high-profile groups around the world including Chanticleer, the Yale Symphony Orchestra, and Ensemble Project Ars Nova to name a few. He is currently the department chair of the composition department at University of Oregon where he has developed new methods for teaching composition to undergrad and graduate students.
Paradiso is an oratorio based on Dante's "Divine Comedy". This selection (Paradiso - Transformation and Transfiguration: The Three And Two Are One) is the thirteenth, from seventeen sections. The lines throughout this piece cast an almost modern church-like chant into the atmosphere. The choral and solo lines meld beautifully with the strings creating an ethreal magical environment bursting with beautiful melodies and harmonies. The soloist, accompanied by a single string begins the piece. This is then followed each time by the chorale almost creating dialogue between the two distinct groups.
Paradiso - Transformation and Transfiguration: The Three And Two Are One
White Tigers is a solo piano piece written by Robert Kyr in 1987. At the beginning piece he creates a humorous and clever technique by writing almost growl-like rumblings in the low register of the piano. The repetition and development of his motives are clear and straightforward which helps to make this piece fun to listen to. His occasional use of extended techniques help set up the "tiger" allusion along with its wit, stealth, and quickness.
White Tigers
One can't gain a complete sample of Robert Kyr's works without diving into his large ensemble works. On the Nature of Love is his first Violin Concerto, and this is the first movement : I.Attraction. I find that although his pieces are very modern, each one contains a certain lyricism that is unique and compelling. In this one, the soloist takes us on an enchanted flight where we float through the "attraction" of love and its many ups, downs, and stalls.
On the Nature of Love - I. Attraction
Robert Kyr is one of the most prolific composers of our day. His music stretches the concepts of what classical contemporary music is and has challeneged me to take a long look at my melodic lines and structured harmonies. To find more of his beautiful music and to support him as an artist, please visit his Website or YouTube pages.
In case anyone might need it :
I do not own any of the music or videos in this blog post or in any of the other posts you may find on this blog.
Comments