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Work


Noughts and Crosses

for orchestra

Year:  2009   ·  Duration:  7m 45s
Instrumentation:  2222; 4331; timp., 2 perc.; strings | (Perc: bass drum, snare drum, triangle, woodblock, class cymbals)

Year:  2009
Duration:  7m 45s
Instrumentation  2222; 4331; timp., 2 perc.;...

Alex Taylor
Composer

Composer:   Alex Taylor

Films, Audio & Samples

Sample Score

Sample: Page 1 - 3 and 21 - 24

See details ➔

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About

Noughts and Crosses is a series of five satirical vignettes, re-scored from an original set of piano miniatures. The pomp and swagger of the opening is almost immediately undercut by a mischievous woodwind tune, supported by snare drum and rhythmic string pizzicati. This brief and playful first movement ends abruptly, the mood turning seriously Wagnerian and self-important with the full power of the orchestral brass blaring in octaves. Relentless sforzandi and crescendi give way to a single clear horn line, before collapsing back into solemnity. Now the spiky arpeggios of the first movement return, bassoon and clarinet leading a jaunty escapade through fast, limping rhythms. The fourth movement is a passacaglia reminiscent of Shostakovich, arching perpetually downwards into dark string gloom before bursting into a raucous Bartokian crash-and-bash finale.


Commissioned note

Commissioned by Auckland Youth Orchestra


Contents note

  1. Maestoso - Allegro Capriccioso
  2. Lento Serioso
  3. Presto (Like a Crazy Dance)
  4. Andante Pesante (Brooding, introspective)
  5. Allegro Aggressivo

Performance history

15 Jul 2009: Performed by the Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich at TSB Showplace in New Plymouth

16 Jul 2009: Performed by the Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich at Royal Wanganui Opera House, Wanganui

17 Jul 2009: Performed by the Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich at Southward Theatre, Paraparaumu

18 Jul 2009: Performed by the Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich at Lower Hutt Little Theatre, Lower Hutt

02 Aug 2009: Performed by the Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich at Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland

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