Works » By Title » B » Bristlecone Concerto No. 3 (13:16)

Bristlecone Concerto No. 3, for mandolin, bongo drums and computer-generated tape, was extracted from a larger work, Bristlecone Concerto 2, scored for solo mandolin, solo violin, ten instruments and computer, which in turn is built on the original violin concerto Bristlecone Concerto. These pieces were inspired by the ancient Bristlecone Pine trees of California. As the oldest known living things, they are small and stunted, sculpted into weird gnarled shapes by eons of wind and harsh weather at their 12,000 foot elevation. The music suggests the peaceful quality of these ancient witnesses, but in the context of their harsh environment of endless wind, rain and glaciers. The melodies were suggested by the shapes of the trees themselves. As the piece progresses, the music is carried more and more by the soloists. After an extended cadenza, the computer reenters and provides a gentle, calming effect. The piece ends in stillness. This piece was supported by a Composer’s Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Federal Agency.