Suite for Harp – Program Notes by composer Avner Dorman
Prelude
Improvisation
Dance
My concept for this piece revolves around the unique technical properties of the harp. The first movement focuses on the hands plucking the strings. The music is quite virtuosic, but there are no changes in the pedal positions at all. The second movement focuses on the pedals. The changes are rapid and frequent. The music is chromatic, which is uncharacteristic of the harp. The last movement blends the two approaches and alternates its focus from hands to feet and back.
The musical materials and form follow a similar pattern. The first movement uses mathematical concepts to model the harmonic progression and the metric structure. In contrast, the second movement was born out of improvisation. The third movement combines mathematical approaches and improvisation to create an exciting dance.
