General Information

• Length: ±5 minutes
• Instrumentation: Symphony Orchestra: 3(III=picc/AF).3(III=EH).3(III=BC).3 - 4.3.3.0 - timp.perc(4) - 2 harps - piano/celesta - strings

Assin Íarthar, Old Irish for “from the west”, is an orchestral rhapsody commissioned by the Euregio Youth Orchestra for their production Con Amore as well as for their participation in the Summa Cum Laude festival in Vienna. Drawing inspiration from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story, this piece is a vibrant exploration of rhythm, harmony, and color. At its core, the work celebrates the interplay of intricate rhythms and innovative timbres, pushing performers to their expressive and technical limits.

The rhythmic language is central to the piece, with shifting meters, syncopation, polyrhythms and metric modulations driving the music forward. Asymmetrical time signatures like 5/8 alternate with moments of sweeping lyricism, creating a dynamic tension between propulsion and reflection. These challenges are balanced by moments of rhythmic unison, providing grounding points that unify the ensemble.

Harmonically, the piece anchors dissonant harmonies in familiar contexts, yielding a colour that is fresh yet recognisable. While primarily rooted in traditional orchestral techniques, the piece introduces new timbral possibilities to enhance its expressive range. String players venture into sul ponticello and sul tasto passages, while woodwinds incorporate subtle effects like flatterzunge, bisbigliandi and multiphonics. Brass sections explore a wide range of mutes, heightening the music's dynamic and timbral contrasts. The percussion section provides both rhythmic drive and unique sonic colors, employing instruments such as crotales.

Though technically demanding, the piece is designed to be an exhilarating experience for youth orchestras, encouraging them to explore new dimensions of their artistry. It is a celebration of rhythm and sound, a work that invites performers and listeners alike into a dynamic and expressive musical journey.

Sheet Music

Sheet music is available by request.