"Basta" by Folke Rabe
(Comments are by
Scott Anderson)
The diverse career of composer and trombonist Folke Rabe exhibits a wide
range of influences, from jazz to post-serialism. Rabe often incorporates
theatrics, avante-garde technique, and nontraditional musical sounds and
ideas into his works.
Basta (composed in 1981) is an Italian word meaning, "stop it!" or
"thats enough!" I have heard that particular phrase uttered many times in
my home and neighborhood by children and adults alike. Basta incorporates
many of the established techniques of the avant garde including glissandi
across the breaks of the instrument, multiphonics and extreme ranges.
If you are reading this before the program begins, consider moving back a
few chairs before the performance. If you read this too late, sorry.