FANG MAN, music, Michael Wyshock, video art
Fang Man: Noir / Boian Videnoff - Mannheimer Philharmoniker
Orchestre National de Lorraine (France); Jacques Mercier, conductor
" Black is a force."
—Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954)
Duration:
ca. 7 minutes
Instrumentation:
2(II=picc).2(II=corA).2.1.cbn-3.2.1.btbn.0-timp.perc(2)-harp-strings
Premiere:
July 19, 2005
Grande Salle, Metz, France
Orchestre National de Lorraine
Jacques Mercier, conductor
Commissioner:
Partly funded by the American Music Center through the Composer Assistance Program
Program Notes
"Noir" is an orchestral work that delves into the profound significance of the color black—noir—in art and emotion. Composed during my doctoral studies at Cornell University, this piece reflects the deep, rich contrasts that the color noir embodies, evoking themes of mystery, elegance, and introspection.
In French, "noir" signifies more than just black; it conveys a sense of the unknown, depth, and dramatic tension. This composition is structured into clear-cut sections, each exploring different facets of this enigmatic color through dynamic orchestral textures and contrasting moments of stillness. The interplay of light and dark in the music mirrors the emotional weight that noir carries, inviting listeners to engage with a spectrum of feelings, from melancholy to serenity.
Throughout "Noir," motifs emerge and transform, creating a dialogue that resonates with the complexities of the human experience. As you immerse yourself in this work, allow the music to guide you through a rich exploration of beauty and introspection, celebrating the profound power of the color noir to evoke deep emotional landscapes.