Review Summary: An immense piece of composing, Frank Ticheli has created an EP that is definitely not lacking.
Cluttered music, especially in the form of symphonic, can sometimes give a listener too much to think about and detract from what the composer was aiming for. Though this is not the case with
Wild Nights!
“Wild Nights! Wild Nights!
Were I with thee
Wild nights should be
Our Luxury!
Futile the winds
To a heart in port, -
Done with the compass
Done with the chart.
Rowing in Eden!
Ah! The sea!
Might I but Moor
To - night in thee!”
These are the words of the famous Emily Dickinson poem, ‘Wild Nights!’ These words are also the inspiration for Frank Ticheli’s joy filled venture of colourful and upbeat symphonic bliss. While not being the first time the poem has been put to music (John Adams – Harmonium) Ticheli has definitely raised the bar with his interpretation. The poem expresses freedom and joy, and that is exactly what Ticheli has captured with
Wild Nights!
The piece is almost jazzy and is an explosion of brass and woodwind from start to end, and my god it is a handful, as cluttered is probably an understatement. Though Ticheli has made this work in his favour as all instruments play a very purposeful part, and with each listen new parts are heard, and admired at how the blend so well with everything else.
Quirky flute lines and syncopated percussion dazzle away in the background through the first section of the work while strong brass overtones are to the fore. As the piece trundles through to a darkish sounding middle section, the hectic nature of the music is slowed down as the brass is bought back, while intricate flourishes from clarinets and flute dominate. The music is more optimistic and impetuous than the joyous sounding fanfare given at the beginning. Though this is all part of Ticheli’s plan as he brings the listener down before cleverly building the whole piece into one grandiose climax that blows you away and sends shivers down your spine. The brass section is aptly accompanied via piano percussion with its lofty sounding mallet work, this crescendo is epic as the woodwind play 32nd notes from octave to octave, while the brass plays out hearty and strong sounding chords.
Wild Nights! then rapidly finishes as hectically as it began with a four bar syncopated phrase that ends so quick that if you blink you will definitely miss it.
Though, all in all
Wild Night! can be perfectly summed up in two sentences:
“Unexpected events come and go, lending spontaneity and a sense of freedom. Surprises are found at every turn and continue right through till the final cadence” – Frank Ticheli
Clutter has worked for Ticheli as he has successfully opened up the listener’s ears and mind as to figure out what is going on in this immense piece of work. Reading Dickinson’s famous poem whilst listening
Wild Nights! you understand the direction Ticheli is taking with his writing, and it definitely is a good one.
