Philip Venables: Numbers 91?95 - For Speaker and Mixed Ensemble

Product Information

• Setting: Chamber Music for Mixed Ensemble
• Genre: Stage Work
• Language: English
• Grade: 3
• Publisher: Ricordi
• Item Number: RICL00034600
• Other Reference: RICL00034600
• ISMN: 9790570025800 / 979-0570025800

Overview

"Numbers 91–95" is an innovative and genre-defying chamber composition by British composer Philip Venables, known for his bold integration of text, politics, and performance. Scored for a speaker, two tape recorders, flute, harp, and an optional wood block, this work blurs the lines between music, spoken word, and theatrical gesture, offering a powerful and experimental approach to contemporary chamber music. The piece takes its title from a sequence of numbers, which serve as both structural and thematic anchors within the work. The speaker, central to the performance, delivers fragments of text with rhythmic precision and expressive nuance, interacting with the live instruments and pre-recorded material. The tape recorders act not only as sonic devices but as narrative and performative tools, adding layers of memory, distortion, and echo that reflect on themes such as identity, trauma, or fragmentation—ideas that often recur in Venables’ oeuvre.

The flute and harp, typically associated with delicacy and clarity, are here employed to create a contrasting palette of sounds: from shimmering and fragile to abrupt and dissonant. The optional wood block, sparse but deliberate, contributes rhythmic punctuation or a sense of ritualistic marking. Together, these elements form a textured and emotionally charged soundscape that challenges conventional notions of ensemble interaction. Designed for adventurous performers and thoughtful listeners, "Numbers 91–95" offers a multi-layered auditory experience—one that invites reflection, interpretation, and engagement with both sonic detail and spoken narrative. It stands as a striking example of Philip Venables’ radical and interdisciplinary approach to music-making, expanding the expressive potential of chamber music in the 21st century.

Product Features

• Format: Score and Parts
• Instrumentation: Speaker, Two Tape Recorders, Flute, Harp, and optional Wood Block
• Performance Level: Grade 3, suitable for intermediate musicians
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Interesting Facts

• Textual Element: The work features text by Simon Howard, which adds a narrative dimension to the performance. The combination of spoken word and instrumental music allows for a rich exploration of themes and emotions.
• Performance Context: "Numbers 91?95" is often performed in contemporary music festivals and chamber music settings, making it a compelling choice for ensembles looking to showcase innovative repertoire.
• Composer Background: Philip Venables, born in 1979, is a British composer known for his operatic and theatrical works. His compositions often challenge traditional forms and explore complex themes, 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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