published on
Berceuse Inquiète (2021)
This piece is built on a simple melody that oscillates back and forth over lulling accompaniment. These two parts have different characters – one lyrical, the other slightly mechanical - so there is a feeling that the lullaby is tilted, or off center. Brief interruptions – some with a music box-like character, others by rapid, quiet passages – contribute to this sense of unease. As the piece unfolds, the melody is passed between the upper and lower voices as a dialogue, while a central section presents a chorale before returning to the original melody. – Ronald Pearl
LIVE RECORDING: Providence College, Smith Center for the Arts, September 24, 2023
ABOUT:
Ronald Pearl’s compositions have been performed, recorded, and broadcast throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. He has been commissioned by the Alturas Duo, Triobio, Duo Vitare, Encuerdas, the Atlantic Guitar Quartet, Quartetto Exsacorde, the ADAA Trio, Zane Forshee and others. His works have been presented at the Saigon Guitar Festival, Guimaraes International Guitar Festival (Portugal), Festival Forfest of the Czech Republic, Peabody Summer Intensive, Shepherd International Guitar Festival, Evolution Contemporary Music Series (Baltimore), and LiveWire6 Music Festival.
His output includes works for solo guitar, multiple guitars, chamber ensembles, choir, and piano. My Name is Red, for solo guitar, has received performances on four continents. Be Not Afeard: Music from Prospero's Island – commissioned and recorded by the Atlantic Guitar Quartet - prompted American Record Guide to write, “This is truly beautiful music”, and “This disc is worth acquiring for this work alone.” Other artists to record his music include Zane Forshee, 1East Guitar Quartet, Robert Trent, Drake Duffer, and the Avanti Guitar Trio.
Ronald Pearl is a Professor Emeritus of Loyola University Maryland where he taught courses in music history, theory, and directed Guitar studies.
- Genre
- Classical