Description
Mouvement Classique is a sonata in one movement. This form provided a framework for the blending of traditional and contemporary elements.
Two contrasting subjects are introduced within the continuous forward movement of the exposition. This is followed by a more subjective development section. A quiet coda emerges from the formal recapitulation. The writing is transparent in texture and utilizes the natural string resonance and tone sustaining nature of the harp. Missing are the special harp sound effects and timbre modifications so prevalent in contemporary works.
Mouvement Classique salutes an earlier time as it anticipates the new millennium.
Ellis Schuman
San Francisco
February 1999
