Premiere:    Duquesne New Music Ensemble. Pittsburgh, PA, 2007.

Duration:    7:00

Difficulty:    Advanced/Professional

Instrumentation:    oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin, viola, double bass.

Program Notes: Rush Hour contrasts fast-paced melodic lines and twisting counterpoint with a pastoral middle section featuring oboe. Opening with an off-kilter unison line in seven, it pulses with intricate driving rhythms. Passing briefly through a pseudo-romantic string trio, it moves into a lush Copland-esque section that exudes calm, featuring a soaring oboe melody. Rush Hour returns to its hectic pace, recalling the opening motive but pushing it further until it screeches to a breathless halt. It’s good to have a little peace in the middle of a rush hour day.

Scores are available for $12. Purchase here.

Performed by a faculty ensemble from Denison University at the Tutti New Music Festival. (Steve Rosenberg, oboe; Robert Jones, clarinet; Karen Atria, bassoon; Andrew Carlson, violin; Debbie Price, viola; Doug Richeson, double bass.)