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OURKOUZOUNOV, Atanas / Scherzo a modo mio

DZ 1221

8 p. + separated parts, Level 4

MP3

Scherzo a modo mio was commissioned by Duo Chitarrone to the young Bulgarian composer Atanas
Ourkouzounov. Scherzo “played his way”, is a rock influenced piece where the mandole and the guitar are treated like two equal instruments which debate, serenade and duel in turns. Atanas Ourkouzounov uses tapping, pizz. Bartók, legatos and drumming, all of which are technical effects inherited from the electric guitar, to create a modern and dynamic language.

“Here is an advanced, atonal contemporary work for mandolin and guitar the composition of which was influenced by rock music. After a brief meditative opening the work begins proper with five pages in fast and rhythmic fashion with both instruments on an equal pairing playing in unison or in imitative fashion.
During the piece many percussive technical effects are employed including pizzicato, “Bartok” pizzicato, tapping, tambour, etc. Scherzo a Modo Mio relies significantly on accentuation between the two instruments and it is in this quarter that any duo attempting this work will have to make sure everything is as it should be. If performed with enough skill and conviction, the work could make a significant impact in any concert of contemporary music. The music is presented in full score and separate parts for both players.”
Steve Marsh (Classical Guitar Magazine)