John Cooney - Tendril

Tendril explores the interplay of two sharply contrasting ideas, heard in the opening bars of the piece, both of which are about movement and growth, expressed in different ways. In the first idea the pitches are static but are enlivened from within by changes of timbre and dynamic, while in the second idea the pitches move quickly, in a fleeting and fragile rising figure that is the tendril of the title. As the piece progresses both ideas change and develop, releasing new material and transforming in character and identity, with the tendril idea acting as catalyst throughout. Natural harmonics, hinted at in the opening few bars, appear as a punctuating idea at several points, eventually transforming into the lilting, crystalline passage that closes the piece.

Tendril was written as part of the Royal Academy of Music 200 Pieces bicentenary celebration.

Royal Academy of Music

2022