PE043 - In the Silence of Night

ADD TO CART

IN THE SILENCE OF NIGHT

Composer

Brenton Broadstock

Category

Piano music

Instrumentation

Piano solo

ISBN

1-877218-43-X

Format

Paperback score

Price

NZ$35.00 (+GST)

Recording

MD3204

Program note

In the Silence of Night belongs to the genus of his output Broadstock calls his "Life Cycle" series, along with Clear Flame Within (1996). Light is here perhaps muted, perhaps non-existent, in a physical sense, but in a metaphorical sense it could be representing emotional clarity – it is possible to gain the clearest insights and elucidation when alone at night. In an instance of those rare yet intriguing coincidences in the creative process, no sooner was the piece complete and its title assigned than the commissioner – Linda Kouvaras – came across a poem by Søron Kierkegaard, which the composer agrees is an apt reflection of the central notion of the piece.

Either/Or, A Fragment of Life (1843)

I have but one friend, Echo, and why is Echo my friend?
Because I love my sorrow and Echo does not take it away from me.
I have only one confidant, the silence of night;

And why is it my confidant?

Because it is silent.

The music unfolds over slowly altering, minimalist-structured ostinato patterns. Cast in the aeolian mode, it proceeds in a hypnotic yet wistful fashion, until it reaches its climax at two thirds of the way through, conforming as usual to Broadstock’s predilection for the 'Golden Mean' form. The intensity of the dynamics and harmony at this point suggest that the meditator, experiencing the silence of night, is very much awake and is perhaps engaged in deeply private reflection. Once the turbulence has subsided, the original mood returns; this time the ostinato patterns have been exchanged between the hands. The piece concludes with a recapitulation of the opening, gentle chimes-effect. This, having been transformed into a breathless surging-forth at the climax, is transfigured and becalmed last in the concluding E major sixth sonorities.

In the Silence of Night is recorded by Linda Kouvaras on the CD Bright Tracks: Music by Brenton Broadstock (Move Records MD3204).