Robert Langenfeld Compositions

About Duality

“Man is not truly one, but truly two.” – from “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson

The duality of human nature is a fascinating concept. It has been written and discussed so much by various scholars and philosophers over the years. There are many ways to look at it: Good versus evil, creative versus logical, mind and body, and so forth.

In “Duality” we explore the two aspects of “Inner Peace” and “Outer Rage”. The states of being have been experienced by us all at once point or another in our lives. And one cannot exist with the other.

In this piece I also explore the duality of the state of music. Major and minor, acoustical and electronic, rhythmic and lyrical. The shared motif of this multi-movement work unites it and helps draw parallels between them. The movements can be played in whatever order the group decides it wants to.

Consortium Members

• Robert Pippin, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Wind Symphony – Consortium Lead
• Northglenn Middle School – Northglenn, CO – Corey R Stopperan
• Bellevue West High School – Marques Eckhoff and Jason Pentico
• Oklahoma Baptist University Symphonic Winds – Timothy Kaiser
• Elkhorn High School Symphonic Band – Kyle Dreessen
• Blue Ridge High School Concert Band – Vincent LoRusso
• Fitchburg State University Concert Band – Amy M. McGlothlin
• Mona Shores Middle School – Nikki Sanford
• Bayfield High School Symphonic Band – Derek C. Smith
• Brighton High School Concert Band – Jeremiah Cooper
• Fort Collins High School Bands – David D. Miles
• Cordell High School Band – Aaron Edge
• Bayless High School Band – Stephen Elford and Jeff Martini
• Harrah High School Symphonic Band – John Sook
• Ryan Lovell

Performance Notes

The movements can be played in any order or played individually without the other. The electronics come with an optional click track but can be conducted without it. It’s been purposefully put on channel 3 in the project for this reason. The electronics, along with the guide on setting them up, can be requested from Robert on demand by emailing [email protected].

Outer Rage

Be careful not to rush the ending. The electronics are designed to be outplayed by the band by the end of movement. It will sound like a common idea is emerging and eventually swallows the electronics. Trombone glisses should start on the last measure of the held note and take all 4 counts to complete. They may need to be encouraged to play these out a little.

Inner Peace

Pay close attention to the subtle dynamic differences throughout the movement and be sure to properly balance the ensemble through all dynamic changes. The ending chord (F major) should be played with a warm sound and is a good spot to check for ensemble balance.

As always I am a short email away with any questions!

Purchase Information

This piece is intended to be played with both movements. However, individual movements can be performed on their own. We have provided options to purchase as a complete set or individual movements.

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Ensembles:   Concert Band

Genres:   ElectronicsSymphonic Band