Parents’ Expectations

Parents' Expectations by Frank Horvat

2013 / Solo & Electro-Chamber

DURATION
10 minutes, 15 seconds

INSTRUMENTATION
amplified viola, fixed electronics

  1. Parents' Expectations Elizabeth Reid (viola) 10:21

Programme Notes

The piece is inspired by a documentary I watched online about the life of Steve Reich. In one part of the documentary, Reich recounts the divorce of his parents and how his father disapproved of him becoming a composer. Although I never experienced this in my own life, this unfortunate and common tale moved me to explore what it must feel like for a child to not be able to live up to the expectations of a parent. Reich’s mix of emotions in recounting that chapter of his life motivated me to sample the words he used to describe it in the film and incorporate them into the work.

The viola plays throughout the piece. The opening 3 1/2 minutes sees the viola sustain a single high A harmonic, blending into the varied electronic tone colors, including a bursting initial bar. Part 2 features the viola playing a triplet ostinato, which interacts with the rest of the parts and occasionally highlights melodic fragments. The third and final part sees subtle electronic accompaniment to a very melodic viola part, with much legato, pizzicato, tremolo, and trilled passages as the piece comes to a subdued close.

– Frank Horvat

Listening Notes:

You will hear the word ‘amicable’ throughout the piece. This describes Reich’s parents’ relationship after their divorce. However amicable the split was, Reich’s father’s negative view of his mother’s artistic side is probably why father and son had such a rocky relationship—his father did not accept this career path for his son. It took an article in the New York Times for Reich’s father to see Steve’s talent and accept him for who he was.

Project Dovetail - album by Frank Horvat

RECORDING
Project Dovetail
Elizabeth Reid (viola)

Producer: Frank Horvat
Label: Centrediscs

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