We are excited to continue our collaboration with the New York Women Composers (NYWC). This month, we present a piece by Laura Kaminsky.
Bio
Composer Laura Kaminsky is known for her bold, expressive voice and commitment to meaningful storytelling. Hailed by The New York Times for her “ear for the new and interesting,” she often explores social and political themes through music described as “full of fire as well as ice.” (American Record Guide)
Her first opera, As One, has become the most produced contemporary opera since its 2014 debut, with over 60 productions worldwide. A recipient of major honors, including the NEA, Opera America, and the Polish Gold Cross of Merit, Kaminsky also serves on the faculties of SUNY Purchase and Boston Conservatory at Berklee and mentors emerging artists through Seattle Opera’s Creation Lab.
Featured Work: Duo for cello and piano
COMPOSITION DETAILS
- Title: Duo
- Composer: Laura Kaminsky
- Year of Composition: 2003
- Instrumentation: cello and piano
- Movements: 2
- Duration of Work: 12 mins
- Number of Measures: 352
- Number of pages: 26
- Tempo: variable
- Difficulty Level: advanced/professional
- Highest Position Reached: 6th
- Techniques Employed: no extended techniques
- Publisher: Bill Holab Music
- Where to Purchase the Score: billholabmusic.com
- Cost of Score*: $30
Recording
Program Notes
“The Duo for cello and piano was composed in 2003; it was made possible, in part, with support from the Seattle Arts Commission. In two contrasting movements, Lamento and Primitivo, it is an abstract yet evocative work. The mournful Lamento is a song of loss and longing; Primitivo, is both vibrant and forceful, folk- and dance-like, yet insistent, alluding to Shostakovich’s use of dance music to subversively decry political atrocity.“ – Laura Kaminsky
Laura Kaminsky’s Other Compositions with a Prominent Cello Part
- The Great Unconformity for cello (2010)
- Isole from L’arcipelago delle delizie for cello (2005)
- Whence It Comes for cello and percussion (1990)
- String Quartets: Arboreal (2024)
- Vanishing Point (2023)
- Rising Tide (2012)
- Cadmium Yellow (2010)
- American Nocturne (2009)
- Monotypes (2005)
- Transformations II (2002)
- Transformations (2000)
- Twilight Settings for soprano, string quartet and percussion (1988)
- Vukovar (Piano Trio)
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 various pieces for 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.
