Description
Kats-Chernin, Elena: Chamber of Horrors for Solo Harp (1995) (Advanced)
Duration: approx. 5 minutes
Boosey & Hawkes Edition
The Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin wrote this playfully creepy work for Australian harpist Marshall McGuire. She had "ghosts, glow worms, sparkles and all sorts of gestural images that would pop up, all in an ironic kind of way" when she thought of the title, Chamber or Horrors.
This piece is based on two main themes--one is a slightly abstract melody and the other is a progression of 13 chords starting in A minor. The light creepiness of the harmonies, which undergo various stages of development, are mostly in the composer’s attempt to explore the rich colors harp.
It is a great theatrical piece to play for a Halloween concert or when you need a little black humor for your recital!
