Irremediable Breakdown for Horn and Piano by Nathan Pawelek.
Commissioned by Denise Tryon of the Philadelphia Orchestra horn section for a low horn project, this is a moderately long and challenging work with contemporary flavor. Circa 12 minutes of performance.
Irremediable Breakdown is a musical commentary about marriage annulment, composed with a narrative in mind about a lonely protagonist, waking to face a mundane existence and lamenting solitude. An unexpected romance rapidly unfolds, followed by a predictable breakdown, where partners seek no common ground and choose disparity.
Nathan Pawelek has written several works for orchestra including a symphony, a clarinet concerto, two song cycles, and a children's program for narrator and orchestra. He has composed many pieces for horn, as well as chamber music for various ensembles including woodwind quintet. Nathan attended Oberlin Conservatory, the Yale School of Music, and the Longy School of Music, and was the former principal horn of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. He is a current member of Quadre Horn Quartet.
