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Autumn Wind

Autumn Wind

Scott DuBois

Label: ACT music
Format: CD
Barcode: 0614427985620
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Catalog number: ACT 98562
Releasedate: 03-11-17
- Available as CD and vinyl

- Scott Dubois used three quartets to record this album

- A combination of contemporary classical compositions, modern jazz pieces and improvisation

My vision for this album came as I drank coffee in a German train station. I was returning to New York after touring with my quartet. My idea: To use three quartets to create a conversation between the world of contemporary classical composition and that of modern jazz composition and improvisation. Autumn would be my theme.

Carrying out my plan, I first composed twelve pieces for my quartet and recorded them in Copenhagen. Each piece begins with a different note, generating a twelve-tone row I used in various parts of the compositions. Later, in New York, building on the fluid performances and improvisations in those recordings, I composed, conducted and recorded pieces for classical string and woodwind quartets to be superimposed on the jazz performances.

The first piece is for solo guitar. Each subsequent piece adds one instrument, culminating in a finale (for twelve musicians) in which the twelve-tone row structures the entire composition. Among other compositional techniques I employed were aleatoricism, minimalism and serialized rhythms, pitches and dynamics. Always I focused on the beautiful melody and harmony suggested to me by autumn’s permutations.

This musical journey begins with the shifting light of early autumn and continues with a tranquil stroll at dusk. The season’s tiniest composers appear after dark.

The mystery of the animal kingdom’s autumn journey coincides with the season’s changing leaves. Birds call and fly in grand formation through sunlight, clouds, rain and blustery winds. The autumn wind carries sounds from near and far.

Moonbeams penetrate the deep forest. Sunrise reveals farm fields covered with snow. Chimney smoke rises against the blue sky in bright sunlight. With night, stars sparkle and flare. The aurora borealis paints the sky. The journey ends in quiet reflection.