Abstract
Still the Sea (2009) for two guitars Stephen Goss Still the Sea, written for ChromaDuo, is a homage to Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu. Its title both references his piece Toward the Sea for guitar and alto flute, and is a triple play on words: first, regarding his continuing influence in the classical music world; second, his musical style hallmarked by a sense of gentleness as opposed to goal-oriented movement; and third, the stilling of his voice after his death from cancer in 1996. Its three movements are loosely based on what Takemitsu stated as his three prime influences: Debussy, Nature and Duke Ellington. The Black River references impressionist harmonis and cascading rhtythms; Silent Pool is the most direct homage to Takemitsu’s own writing style; and Fire Water explodes with jazzinfluenced energy. ChromaDuo © 2011 For two guitars (9 mins). First performance Baltimore Guitar Society, USA, 28th March 2010. Score published by Cadenza Music ISMN 979-0-57047-019-8 © 2011. Recording scheduled for December 2010.