*FINALIST in the 2010 NFA Newly-Published Music Competition
Ménage is a trio in three movements for flute, piano and bass clarinet. The piece strives to explore varied relationships between these three individuals, in solo, duet and trio settings. An optional part for cello may substitute for the bass clarinet.
Duration approximately 9 minutes
Premiered at Dvorak Hall,
Prague Czech Republic, July 2006
Piano, Jose Bevia
Flute, Deanna Bertsche
Bass Clarinet, Erin Douglass
Reviews:
…an abundant happiness seems to continually push the instruments through
their bounding dance-like melodies. – American Record Guide
…its outer movements are tart and jazzy, … the inner one is an attractive,
intermezzo-styled piece reminiscent a little of Poulenc. – All Music Guide
…immediately hints at Raines’ diverse background as a composer and musician.
…a feast of rhythm and drive…brings the work to a dramatic close. – Flute
World / Music Web
The number three hangs over many aspects of the work (three instruments;
three tripartite movements, each lasting around three minutes). The composer
set out to explore the love/hate relationships of the three intimately
entwined performers. There is a sense of exploration in this music, music
that seems all the stronger for its brevity.
– Fanfare Magazine
… explores the relationships between these three instruments, each with its
own distinctive timbre, in solo, duet and trio settings… the music explores
a range of emotions: love and hate, sadness and joy, conflict and its
resolution. – Atlanta Audio Society
