Philip Venables: Numbers 76?80: Tristan und Isolde - For Four Voices (SATB) and String Quartet

Product Information

• Setting: Mixed Voices and Accompaniment
• Genre: Stage Work
• Language: English
• Grade: 3
• Publisher: Ricordi
• Item Number: RICL00034500
• Other Reference: RICL00034500
• ISMN: 9790570025824 / 979-0570025824

Overview

"Numbers 76–80: Tristan und Isolde" is a striking and genre-defying composition by British composer Philip Venables, written for four voices (SATB) and string quartet. This bold work features text by Simon Howard, a frequent collaborator of Venables, whose vivid and surreal poetry serves as both the structural and emotional foundation of the piece. As with much of Venables’ music, the composition blurs the boundaries between music, text, and theatre, challenging audiences to reconsider the conventions of vocal chamber music. The piece is part of Venables’ larger “Numbers” series, each installment exploring the interface of music and text through a numbered, episodic format. In “Numbers 76–80: Tristan und Isolde,” the allusion to Wagner’s iconic opera is not a direct quotation or retelling, but rather a provocative reimagining of love, identity, and narrative through a surreal and contemporary lens. Howard’s poetry traverses a strange landscape of longing, obsession, and disorientation, occasionally humorous, often unsettling, and always compelling.

Venables sets this text with precision and expressive nuance, using the interplay of the four voices and string quartet to create a sound world that is at once intimate and intense. The vocal writing, though challenging, remains deeply expressive, while the string quartet acts as both commentary and counterpoint, shifting fluidly between lyricism and dissonance. The music amplifies the poetry’s emotional tension, enhancing its dreamlike and often fragmented imagery. Designed for intermediate to advanced performers, the work rewards thoughtful interpretation, drawing both singer and listener into its enigmatic emotional terrain. "Numbers 76–80: Tristan und Isolde" stands as a testament to Venables’ innovative fusion of contemporary classical music, spoken word, and poetic drama, reinforcing his position as one of the most original voices in modern composition.

Product Features

• Format: Score and Parts
• Instrumentation: SATB Voices and String Quartet
• Performance Level: Grade 3, suitable for intermediate musicians
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Interesting Facts

• Textual Inspiration: The text is an extract from Simon Howard’s surreal epic "Numbers," which includes vivid imagery, such as a swarm of wasps sculpted into a bust of the Marquis de Sade. This thematic richness adds depth to the musical setting, making it both playful and occasionally disturbing .
• Musical Style: The composition begins with bold musical statements, including striking harmonies and rhythmic patterns that engage both the performers and the audience. The interplay between the voices and the string quartet creates a dynamic and immersive experience.
• Composer Background: Philip Venables, born in 1979, is a British composer known for his innovative works that often challenge traditional forms. His compositions frequently explore complex themes and emotions, making them both engaging and thought-provoking.

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a respected music publishing house that specializes in classical and contemporary music, ensuring the preservation and promotion of significant works.

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#PhilipVenables #Numbers76to80 #TristanUndIsolde #ChamberMusic #Ricordi