Vykinon (2025)
Concerto for two pianos tuned a quarter-tone apart, wind ensemble, and percussion
Asmatikon A’
Asmatikon B’
Polyfloisvoio Thalassis
Program Notes
A 14th century Byzantine text attributed to George Codinus describes a miraculous artifact called Vykinon. Named after the Roman horn-like instrument buccina, it consisted of two “singing” towers placed diametrically at the port of Constantinople. On top of the towers stood two brass trumpets. The internal structure of the towers was cavernous. When a strong wind blew, the crushing waves created an internal blast of wind that resonated the trumpets, which in turn emanated a melody “strange to one’s ears, like a Siren call” (Codinus On the Edifices of Constantinople.) Since the two towers were positioned across each other, it seemed that one echoed the other.
This evocative description of Vykinon provides the model for my homonymous work. The instrumental ensemble is divided in two groups, each led by a piano soloist. The latter function as a source of pneumatic energy that resonates its corresponding instrumental ensemble. As in the case of the Vykinon towers, the relationship of the two groups is primarily antiphonal: one creates distorted echoes of the other, weaving a web of otherworldly calls and responses.
The piece unfolds in three movements: Asmatikon A’, Asmatikon B’, and Polyfloisvoio Thalassis. “Asmatikon” refers to a genre of callophonic (or florid) chants used in Byzantine liturgical music. “Polyfloisvoio Thalassis” is a homeric epithet that refers to the roaring of sea waves, particularly under windy conditions.
Vykinon is dedicated to conductor Bill Drury and pianists Stephen Drury and Yukiko Takagi.
Vykinon was premiered by soloists Stephen Drury, Yukiko Takagi and the NEC Wind Ensemble under the direction of Faculty Emeriti Bill Drury on November 13th, 2025 in Jordan Hall. Vykinon was commissioned by the Calithumpiano Consort and friends of Bill Drury on the occasion of his retirement.
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