Meprex

For a Mixed Ensemble of 9 performers (7′)
2fl. 2sax(sop+alt). 1tpt. 1tbn. 1tb. 1vla. 1vlc.

Programme Notes

In Mongolian, ‘мөргөх’ means ‘to pray’, and this piece is a meditative exploration of what the concept of prayer may mean to different people. The majority of the piece is formed around the idea of ‘stillness’, constructed through close, dissonant harmony and a sustained, blended sound. There are brief moments of intensity and impact within this stillness.

The central section has a greater sense of movement, and here is where individual voices come more to the fore through a denser and more contrapuntal texture, perhaps in prayer, perhaps just in hope. Inspired by the gently moving chord sequence of ‘Mother and Father’ by Mongolian musician Bukhchuluun Ganburged, this section becomes increasingly re-harmonised as the lines become more intricate. In the final section, the opening melodic idea is played once more by muted trumpet, above intense harmonies. Gradually, this becomes more distant, until all sound fades.