In an extraordinary collaboration, six composers joined forces to conceive a seven-movement work titled Variations on Overture to Antigone (In Honor of Dr. Mark Alburger), a tribute to the esteemed Dr. Mark Alburger. My contributions bookend this collective opus, with the first and final movements under my authorship. The inaugural movement serves as more than just an introduction; it is an abbreviated arrangement of Dr. Alburger’s Overture to Antigone to set the thematic foundation for what follows.
Delving into the heart of my creative process, Through the Looking-Glass with Mark draws palpable inspiration from Philip Glass. This piece not only honors the structural ingenuity of the original work, notably through the clever use of the inverted BACH motif, but also weaves in a personal narrative. A subtle yet profound layer is introduced by embedding the names of Mark and my surname in Morse code within the composition, crafting a hidden dialogue between the notes.
In a poignant nod to my personal history with Dr. Alburger, the alto saxophone and bassoon lead the lament section, instruments that I have often played in his works. This choice serves to intertwine my artistic identity with the legacy of Dr. Alburger, ensuring that the piece resonates with both tradition and individuality.
For those intrigued by the nuances of this memorial piece, further insights into the genesis of my variation can be found in the Crafting My Variation for Dr. Mark Alburger’s Memorial post, under my In Progress section of my website. This space is dedicated to unraveling the layers of thought, emotion, and technique that shaped my contribution to this collaborative homage.
The SFCCO premiered this work on its Leaving a Mark, Memorial concert on March 16, 2024.
Discover more from Michael Cooke | Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.