Incantation (2007) was commissioned by bassoonist Kathleen
McLean, to whom it is dedicated. The piece consists of chants and refrains
for solo bassoon, harp and string quartet. Almost every note in the quartet
and harp part is doubled at the interval of the twelfth, an overtone of the
harmonic series. The bassoonist is sometimes asked to create a tone rich in
harmonics, imitating the sound of Buddhist overtone chant (Tibetan chant),
creating a rich, enveloping sound, enhanced by the quartet and harp parts.
The premiere performance and recording feature Kathleen McLean, bassoon, Erica
Goodman, harp and the Accordes String Quartet.
- Rodney Sharman