Mikel Kuehn - Works
Chiaroscuro [Hyperresonance II] (2007), for cello and electroacoustics
(Craig Hultgren, cello)
Program Note
Chiaroscuro (2007), for cello and electroacoustics, was commissioned by American cellist Craig Hultgren. The title (“bright/dark”) comes from the drawing technique that uses shading to create the illusion of depth. In this intimate piece, I attempt to capture the resonance of the cello from percussive to pitched sounds, creating a palette that stems from one source – the cello – that is further shaded, highlighted, and exaggerated by the electroacoustics. The five-part structure of Chiaroscuro encompasses three large sections framed by an introduction and coda. The percussive introduction serves to conjure the sound, while the coda is a reflection of the piece as a whole. The middle section consists of a controlled improvisation using thematic elements found throughout the work.
Chiaroscuro (2007) for cello and electroacoustics