If the Chemistry is Right

for large ensemble and 2 sopranos

Amanda Feery

If the Chemistry is Right

Sopranos have a powerful vocal range. They want to use the full spectrum of
that range. They want to be heard. Given the instrumentation in this piece,
their struggle to be heard is quickly implied. I wanted this piece to be an
unbraiding of the sopranos out of the ensemble, where they succeed in the
struggle to be heard in the end by pulling out the glissando, an overused
contemporary vocal technique. Is that a win?
Duration 3
Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute
Bass Clarinet
Baritone Sax.
Alto Sax.
Horn in F
Trumpet in Bb
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Tuba
Timpani
Drum Kit
Electric Guitar
Bass Guitar
Soprano 1
Soprano 2
Piano

Performance Directions
Notes for the Sopranos
The text consists of different vowels sounds that you are encouraged to play
with. Where the notation is unpitched, feel free to use glissando between
notes or emphasise different words, or, different parts of the words by
shouting or screeching. Play with the woodwind, brass or percussion for
influence.
Notes for the electric guitar
Some distortion should be used throughout the piece, with a pedal or unit.
For the final section, the chords should sound raw, staccato and damped.

Piccolo

&

q = 105
5
4

Flute

&

45

Bass Clarinet

Baritone Sax.

Alto Sax.

Horn in F

Trumpet in Bb

Trombone 1

Trombone 2

Tuba

Timpani

Marimba

Drum Kit

Electric Guitar

Bass Guitar

Piano

Soprano 1

# 5
& # 4

## 5
& # 4

45

# 5
& # 4
?

# 5
& # 4

J J

play the x notes by blowing into flute without producing pitches.

breathy sound desired to complement the whispering sopranos!

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su

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whispering, breathy, staccato sound desired

Soprano 2

&

5
4 " J
si mi raw

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ke te

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whispering, breathy, staccato sound desired

si

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2
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4
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26

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8
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10
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