We are excited to continue our collaboration with the New York Women Composers (NYWC). This month, we present a piece by Dr. Faye-Ellen Silverman.
Bio
Faye-Ellen Silverman is a distinguished American composer, pianist, educator, and writer whose work has been performed by major ensembles including the Baltimore Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, New Orleans Philharmonic, and the American Brass Quintet. She began her music studies at the Dalcroze School of Music before age four and made her Carnegie Hall debut at thirteen after winning the Parents League Composition Contest, judged by Leopold Stokowski.
Silverman holds degrees from Barnard College (BA, cum laude), Harvard University (AM), and Columbia University (DMA), and her teachers included Otto Luening, Leon Kirchner, Lukas Foss, and Jack Beeson. Her over 100 compositions are published by Seesaw Music, a division of Subito Music, and recorded on labels including Albany, New World, Capstone, and MSR Classics.
She has received numerous commissions and honors from organizations such as UNESCO, ASCAP, and the International Women’s Brass Conference. She is a founding member of Music Under Construction and the IWBC, and currently serves as Secretary of the Board of New York Women Composers. Silverman teaches at the Juilliard School’s Extension Division and maintains a private studio. She is also an active lecturer and guest composer internationally.
Silverman writes: “Many of my compositions incorporate aspects of my Jewish heritage… Others have evolved from my commitment to free speech… I always like the challenge of composing for ensembles that are new to me.”
Featured Work: Reconstructed Music for violin, cello, and piano
COMPOSITION DETAILS
- Title: Reconstructed Music
- Composer: Dr. Faye-Ellen Silverman
- Year of Composition: 2002
- Instrumentation: violin, cello, and piano
- Movements: 1
- Duration of Work: 7′ 30″
- Number of Measures: 116
- Number of pages: 14
- Tempo: quarter note = 60
- Difficulty Level: professional
- Highest Position Reached: thumb
- Techniques Employed: double stops, pizzicato, trills, harmonics, changing meters
- Publisher: Seesaw Music, a division of Subito Music Corp.
- Where to Purchase the Score: Subito Music
- Cost of Score*: $18.79
Recording
Program Notes
“Reconstructed Music” was begun on September 14, 2001. It begins with isolated notes in extreme ranges, and slowly fills in the space and time between events. As the title (and date of composition) suggests, the idea is one of rebuilding. The central pitch of the work is C, both because it represents the lowest note in the cello and because it is the starting point of the tonal system’s “circle of fifths” – the first key learned by beginning music students. The title also pays tribute to the Construction Company, as this composer is a founding member of “Music Under Construction.” – Dr. Faye-Ellen Silverman
Dr. Faye-Ellen Silverman’s Other Work with a Prominent Cello Part
- “Azure Skies” for violin, cello, and harp (1993), c. 7 1/2’
- “Connections” for clarinet, cello, and marimba (1994), c. 11’ – Based on a Passover Melody
- “For Him” for flute, cello, and vibraphone (1975), 10’ – For Otto Luening on His 75th Birthday
- ‘Let’s Play’ for string quartet (2007), c. 11’
- “Manhattan Fixation’ for soprano, mezzo-soprano, and cello (2008), c. 11 ½’ – Commissioned by Seraphim
- “Obsessions” for cello and piano (1999), c. 9′
- “Paula’s Song” for string quartet (1996), c. 9’ – Dedicated to My Mother
- String Quartet (Untitled) (1976), c. 9’
- Translations for violin and cello (2004), c. 6’ – Commissioned by Philip A. DeSimone in memory of Linda J. Warren (1947-1988)
- “Yet For Him” for flute, cello, and piano (1980), c. 10’ – For Otto Luening on His 80th Birthday
- “Reaching the End of the Dance” for cello. (2022) c. 5’
A Collaboration with the New York Women Composers (NYWC)
The NYWC series at the Cello Museum was created to showcase its members who have composed works for the cello, informing cellists seeking new music to add to their repertoire, and helping listeners find new favorites. Many thanks to the NYWC for this wonderful collaboration.
Read other installments in the series here.
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*Prices are accurate at the time of article publication, but the Cello Museum cannot take responsibility for subsequent price changes.
