Music For a Deceased Friend (Wind Quintet #2)(score & parts) - WW5

Music for a Deceased Friend was written in 1981 and is dedicated to the memory of Jana Barinska, who perished tragically. The thematic writing of the one-movement work (a free sonata allegro) grows from the interval of the third. There is a chorale, chromatic "sighing" motives, and keening in the spirit of ancient Latvian funeral songs. As in other compositions, Vasks organically intertwines the sound of the human voice with that of the instruments. I would characterize this piece as "moderately contemporary." Flute doubles Alto Flute, and as noted in the score, all members of the quintet are required to sing, for which specific ranges are given. Some moderate use of extended technique.