Stanley Friedman

Jerusalem Fugue

Jerusalem Fugue for horn and strings (or piano) was commissioned by James Cox, principal horn with the Israel Philharmonic, and the International Horn Society (the Meir Rimon Commissioning Assistance Fund). The version with piano reduction is also suitable for recitals. The pitches (plus transpositions) result in 'Hebrew' inflected forms of scales and harmonies. The music reflects the dramatic and divided experiences of my time in Israel, ranging from the noblest human aspirations to the deepest sadness. The choice of fugue form is an intellectual and artistic challenge and at the same time a representation of an obsession, an idea in constant conflict with itself. Particular Jewish references are the shofar-like opening of the theme and the quasi-singer melody, which appears for the first time in section A. The end of the work is deliberately left open: much remains to be described. Stanley Friedman, May 2007.