Marshall - Believe (2020)

Virtual performance of Pamela Marshall's "Believe." Commissioned by LCO for the "Lowell Threads" Commission Initiative
Audio: www.chillhousestudios.com
Video: www.noyaphoto.com/video
lowellchamberorchestra.org
My assignment was to write an interlude that would be a transition between two of Mozart’s Flute Quartets, in D major and G major. I wanted to create a contrast with both the airy enthusiasm of the D major quartet and the tranquil opening of the G major. Quarantine life was also on my mind. I couldn’t forget, while writing, that we’re in this pandemic situation that created a need for different concert format. Further, assassinations of black men and women are roiling the conscience of our nation, and protests are keeping the horrific problem from being swept back into hiding. Right from the start, there is the obvious movement from D to G that happens three times in the solo viola, with a fourth D-to-G motion resolving into the beginning of the next Flute Quartet. But, “Believe” became more than interlude between delightful Mozartean experiences. My concept included a bit of theater where each musician plays a role, similar to Charles Ives’ “The Unanswered Question” - the trumpet posing the question and woodwinds attempting to answer. In “Believe”, the viola takes the lead, speaking up, stepping outside its customary background role in the quartet. In three bold recitatives, this neglected voice makes its declaration. The other instruments at first diverge and distract; then pay attention. Finally, the fourth time, the other strings join the declaration, and the ensemble is largely united. The flute, which dominates the Mozart, takes a back seat and saves its comments for the opening of the next Quartet, which arrives with peace and calm, and hopefully understanding.
- Pamela Marshall