Employing the theme and variation technique of classical music composition, “Irony” begins with a violin melody. Developing from there, a cello soon joins, bowing open fifths in the bass register. Repeating formative musical ideas and changing only tempo, harmony and counterpoint, among other compositional elements, the music continues, exploring the beauty in repetition, much like our own collective experience throughout this past year of pandemic.
This piece, written for string trio by Joanne Na, a second-year master’s student in composition at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, premieres in late April on YouTube, in a virtual performance from Eugene classical music ensemble Delgani String Quartet.