Christopher Tucker: Music Gallery
COLLOQUIES
(for flute and oboe)
2001-02 • Estimated timing: 6'45"
I. Introduction
II. Endearment
III. Frivolous
IV. Drivel
V. Squabble
[Published by Healing Eagle Music]
Colloquies is a character suite in five movements and is defined as types of conversation. Introduction contrasts the two instruments in different styles and climaxes as they come together in conversation. Endearment is lyrical and “piquant.” Frivolous employs one interval throughout, the tritone, as it winds up and down chromatically. Drivel is a twelve-tone row cycled three times cascading downwards as saliva slowly drips from the mouth. Squabble, similar to the Introduction, contrasts the flute and oboe as they fight (and scratch) for dominance. The movement is fast and furious ending on a quiet “talk to the hand” in the flute and a pompous “in your face” in the oboe.