Opus 968

Morning at Brant Point (2012)

for Viola and Cello

Yaroslav Venger, viola; Olga Shutko, cello

Duration: 7.5 min.

Dedication: for Christof Huebner and Ashima Scripp

Publisher: Musik Fabrik

Performance materials available from the publisher.

Morning at Brant Point (2012) for viola and cello is dedicated to Christof Huebner and Ashima Scripp.

This work is one in an ongoing series of pieces connected to the place and landscape of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. In this case, the music takes its imagery from Brant Point Lighthouse, one of the island’s most visible landmarks. The lighthouse stands at the edge of the harbor, and its small beach provides a panoramic view into the inner harbor, out into Nantucket Sound, and across to the uninhabited beaches of Coatue.

It is one of the most evocative places on the island to experience the start of a day, and a series of morning images form this work. The music begins in the hush of pre-dawn, looking across to Coatue in utter quiet. The sun slowly rises over birds, buoys, and boats. Activity and motion begin to increase as the day starts: the pace is still slow, but the music is moving forward. A “harbor mobile” depicts the gentle interaction of two moored boats. Energetic music bursts forth: bringing the full activity of the day into focus. The harbor and island come alive with activity.