For Ever (2000)
(for Two Pianos)

The title of this piece deliberately separates ‘forever’ into its two constituent parts: not because the meaning is radically different, but to underline its implications. We use the word in phrases like ‘forever and a day’ – which is, of course, a contradiction of terms. What do we really mean when we refer to something or someone for eternity?

Musically, the piece attempts to exploit a stereo effect of two pianos, both in conventionally antiphonal phrases, where one piano clearly answers the other, but also in closely dovetailed hocket relationship. In addition to this, the piece has other musical challenges for the ensemble, including non-aligned barlines that still share a common pulse.

The work is dedicated to Marianne Rothschild and was commissioned by MLC school, Sydney for its Australian Music Weekend. The premiere performance was given by Miraschiiska / Kolarov Duo in Sofia, Bulgaria as part of the 5th international ppIANISSIMO festival on 25 March 2001.

Stuart Greenbaum