Star Clusters, commissioned by the Laefer Quartet in 2022, is a rich tapestry of deep, stary night sky images, written by American composer Denise (Dede) Ondishko. After listening to past performances of the ensemble, Ondishko was inspired by their mastery of cohesion, color and blend--they speak and breathe as one! Here, Ondishko showcases how seamlessly they pick up one or two notes from one another and sew them into a lyrical melody; like how the human eye can take individual stars and group them into constellations. There are several star cluster motifs in the work, reappearing in a rondo-like form, with frequent key and color changes (sparkle, shooting stars, color changes, deep space, spirals). Each member of the group produces multiphonic (multi-note) passages which tease the ear into believing the group is larger than life.

Star Clusters Premiere Laefer Quartet

ROOTSTOCK for wind ensemble traces the musical lineage of Denise Ondishko backwards in time to her teacher David Hogan, and back to his teacher Nadia Boulanger, through to Faure, Saint-Saens, Halevy and Cherubini. The opening is a futuristic fanfare based on the first notes played on the piano by Ondishko's grand-daughter. Musical statements alluding to each of the composers are presented with the introduction of new percussion instruments. After introducing the chain of composers, Ondishko moves forward in time and builds a soupy mix of themes before spinning forward one last time.

Star Clusters Premiere Laefer Quartet

Denise (Dede) Ondishko

Related tracks