Commissioned by Gabrielle Israelievitch for her violinist husband JacquesÔÇÖ 50th birthday, Hammer and Bow is Michael ColgrassÔÇÖ musical tribute to Jacques and their son, marimbist Michael Israelievitch. Musically the piece evolves from a simple descending chromatic theme, that is transformed and developed throughout, and reflects the mysterious and unpredictable mood changes of two people (in this case, father and son), in a close, sometimes emotionally fraught relationship. As with all of Michael ColgrassÔÇÖ music, the care with which the techniques and characters of the instruments involved have been ably exploited is everywhere in evidence. Hammer and Bow is wonderful chamber music for an unusual combination and the players will be amply rewarded and challenged in performing it.
