The Quick and the Dead
for large chamber ensemble*
*Looking for the orchestra version of this work? Click here.
The phrase “the quick and the dead” appears a few times in the Christian tradition, most notably the Nicene and Apostle’s Creeds, both referring to the belief that Jesus Christ will return to judge the living and those who have already died.
Of course, modern English speakers usually equate the word “quick” to mean the same as “fast” or “brief” as opposed to this antiquated usage meaning “living” or “alive.” Thus, a double meaning may form, that life is brief and fleeting, and that death may be unexpected, but is indeed inevitable.
The Quick and the Dead is essentially a fantasia on the Dies Irae chant, which of course speaks of the final judgment and the end of the world in the Christian faith. The work alternates between quick and lively gestures to static and lifeless ones, musically portraying the dichotomy between life and death.
The Quick and the Dead was written for the Helix New Music Ensemble at Rutgers University.
Of course, modern English speakers usually equate the word “quick” to mean the same as “fast” or “brief” as opposed to this antiquated usage meaning “living” or “alive.” Thus, a double meaning may form, that life is brief and fleeting, and that death may be unexpected, but is indeed inevitable.
The Quick and the Dead is essentially a fantasia on the Dies Irae chant, which of course speaks of the final judgment and the end of the world in the Christian faith. The work alternates between quick and lively gestures to static and lifeless ones, musically portraying the dichotomy between life and death.
The Quick and the Dead was written for the Helix New Music Ensemble at Rutgers University.