I enjoy composing works for two instruments and love exploring the interplay between different instruments and timbres – sometimes the intertwining involves close overlapping of ranges, while other times I stage the relationships for contrast between distant registers.
When choosing flute as one of the voices for these chamber duets, I am especially drawn to the rich round tone quality of alto flute. I love blending the warmth of the alto flute, often in proximity to similar registers.
In writing “Jilted Tango” I wanted to convey a kind of languid fluidity between the solo voice and the piano, yet also infuse the music with a slight sense of haltingness and hesitation. My program note simply describes the music as “The give and take/push and pull in a dance of love.”
I am happy that this work has inspired performances in many iterations of instrument combinations. My website includes audio for two of the different versions for solo string and piano.
To watch a performance of Jilted Tango visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XFxX12duLo
To listen to a recording visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8sZ7DUj4lM
The score is available for purchase ($15) at: https://rainworthington.com/works-catalog/jilted-tango-wind-and-piano/
For more information, please contact rainworthington@gmail.com. And, to explore more of Rain Worthington’s music visit: https://rainworthington.com
From Rain Worthington: “Thank you for the opportunity to share ‘Jilted Tango’ with the Flute Examiner audience. I would appreciate hearing about any performances of this version for alto flute and piano.”
For a perusal score, click here.