Programme Note
Stapes is the first piece in a series of three trios collectively entitled Middle Ear. The stapes (or stirrup) is the smallest in the chain of three bones that transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the internal ear in the process of transformation of external soundwaves to an emotional or cognitive response within the listener. The composition of Stapes was largely dictated by the idiosyncrasies of the ensemble: the piano, suffering under equal temperament and timbral limitation, and the strings, free in pitch and hosting a wide timbral palette. The juxtaposition of these disparate musical entities, with the instruments working together and against each other, forms the basis of this work. The piece is physically and mentally demanding, pushing the players in individual and collective struggles for articulacy.
- Difficulty:
- Advanced