Cerebral Vortex

Cerebral Vortex was composed for Musikkforeningen Nidarholm for their participation in the 2009 World Music Contest in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. Tthe first performance was given at this contest conducted by Espen Andersen, with the composer in thesaxophone section.

The title is meant to describe a from of writer’s block caused not by lack of ideas, but rather a lack of ability to channel and form the «madness» swirling around inside the head of someone with a great desire to express something. In this respect,the piece can be said to be an exercise in keeping focus from the composer’s side. A limited amount of material is repeated and treated to create a development that always has a solid anchor point. This is emphasized by the return to the openingtheme towards the end.

INSTRUMENTATION:

• Piccolo
• 2 Flutes
• 2 Oboes
• Eb Clarinet
• 3 Bb Clarinets
• Bb Bass Clarinet
• Bb Contrabass Clarinet
• 2 Bassoons
• Soprano Saxophone
• 2 Alto Saxophones
• Tenor Saxophone
• Baritone Saxophone
• 3 Bb Trumpets
• 2 Bb Cornets
• 4 F Horns
• 3 Tenor Trombones
• Bass Trombone
• Euphonium (2)
• Tuba (2)
• String Bass
• Piano
• Timpani
• 6 Percussion:
• Player 1: Tubular Bells | Xylophone
• Player 2: Marimba
• Player 3: Vibraphone | a2 Cymbals | Tubular Bells
• Player 4: 3 Suspended Cymbals | Tambourine | Triangle | Whip
• Player 5: Wind Chimes | Bass Drum | Tam-tam
• Player 6: Tam-tam | Snare Drum | 5 Tom-toms | a2 Cymbals"