Description

Jonathan Cole: Marble Arch 4.30 - For String Trio

Product Information

ISMN: 9790570026128 / 979-0570026128
Product Type: Score and Parts
Setting: String Trio
Language: English
Length: 28 pages
Published: 2002
Publisher: Ricordi
Item Number: RICL00001200
Other Reference: RICL 12

Overview

"Marble Arch 4.30" is a compelling and atmospheric composition for string trio (violin, viola, and cello) by the distinguished British composer Jonathan Cole, published in 2002. Drawing inspiration from the bustling urban environment surrounding London’s Marble Arch at the close of the working day, this piece captures a moment in time with remarkable sensitivity and imagination. Spanning 28 pages, the score reveals a rich palette of sonic textures and nuanced interplay among the three string instruments. Rather than focusing on conventional melody and accompaniment, Cole’s compositional language emphasizes dialogue, rhythmic tension, and the subtle transformation of gestures, resulting in a sound world that is both introspective and vividly expressive. The music unfolds with a sense of narrative, where silence, dissonance, and fragility are just as significant as motion and resonance. Cole’s use of extended techniques, careful pacing, and microstructural development allows performers to deeply engage with the emotional and architectural framework of the work.

"Marble Arch 4.30" is a study in contrast and cohesion—an urban meditation that reflects both the noise and the stillness of modern life. The title itself suggests a temporal and geographical reference, but the music moves beyond mere depiction to evoke a broader emotional and psychological landscape. The piece is shaped as much by suggestion and restraint as by intensity and release. This composition is particularly well-suited for advanced string players who are attuned to the demands of contemporary music and who are eager to explore the delicate balance of independence and unity within a small ensemble setting. It challenges performers to listen deeply to one another, to respond with nuance, and to cultivate an acute awareness of texture and time. Ideal for inclusion in modern chamber music programs, "Marble Arch 4.30" offers audiences a rewarding and thought-provoking experience—an encounter with sound that is as much about presence as it is about performance.

Product Features

Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: String Trio (typically Violin, Viola, and Cello)
Page Count: 28 pages
Genre: Contemporary chamber music with intricate textures and melodies

Interesting Facts

Commissioned Work: "Marble Arch 4.30" was commissioned by Music Past and Present and premiered by a professional ensemble, showcasing its significance in contemporary chamber music.
Musical Style: The composition features a blend of lyrical and rhythmic elements, allowing for expressive performance and interaction among the musicians.
Composer Background: Jonathan Cole is known for his innovative approach to composition, often exploring new musical ideas and forms that challenge traditional boundaries.