program notes by composition > H > Homage to Pérotin
Homage to Pérotin
Ron Nelson
Pérotin was a composer from the late 12th century, associated with the Notre Dame school of polyphony in Paris which featured daring, muscular use of jagged dissonance. This piece springs from the “Viderunt Omnes” Gregorian chant with its driving rhythmic intensity, repetition, and pedal points. The opening section features dissonances in alternation with brass fanfare-like passages. A second theme played by unison brass is written in the Aeolian mode.
Ron Nelson , born in 1929 in Joliet, IL, composed two operas, a mass, music for films and television, 90 choral works, and over 40 instrumental works. Composing for band was a major focus. He began piano lessons and composing at the age of six and became a church organist at 13. He earned bachelor, master and doctorate degrees at the Eastman School of Music and studied in France under a Fulbright Grant . He joined Brown University , retiring as Music Department Chair in 1993.
Last updated on October 23, 2023 by Palatine Concert Band
