Triptych
Triptych was commissioned by Byron Newton for performances in the United Kingdom and received assistance from Creative New Zealand, the Arts Council of New Zealand.
It is one continuous movement, divided into three sections. The outer two movements are fast in tempo, with the final section forming a variation of the opening. The middle section is reflective and free in tempo by comparison. A wide range of moods are created in this piece, ranging from the energetic and forceful opening to the melancholic and dreamy quieter sections. The final section gives the impression of a wild and exciting ride with urgent rhythmic and a disjointed second theme.
Both euphonium and piano have challenging roles in this work.
It is dedicated to Byron, who gave the first performances during 2012 and who assisted the composer with the technical passages for the euphonium.
Anthony Ritchie