Christopher Tucker: Music Gallery

The composer writes, "Cement 13 was originally composed for wind symphony in the Fall of 2009. The cities of Ithaca and Horseheads, NY are separated by twenty-five miles of asphalt known as Highway 13. It is the drive on this highway, which has inspired this two and a half minute symphonic work. My basis for this fanfare is the twelve-tone technique, creating a twelve-tone row with the addition of a second dominant tone to the first pitch. This forms a thirteen-note motive which becomes the 'motor' of the piece. Another element of inspiration is the concept of cement - a binding substance, which sets and hardens independently, and can bind other materials together. Its most widely known application is the creation of concrete for road and building construction. I musically depict cement with aleatoric motives 'binding' together to form cohesive blocked chords, prevalent in the opening of the fanfare."

The orchestra version of Cement 13 was commissioned by the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, Mesquite, TX, Roger Gilliam, music director