Just Music
Zoran Šćekić composer
Ana Žgur piano
On his debt release on Ravello Records, JUST MUSIC: MUSIC FOR PIANO IN FIVE LIMIT JUST INTONATION, Croatian composer Zoran Šćekić presents an open series of compositions aiming to explore the harmony of a non-tempered microtonal system based on integer harmonics, or just intonation. Performed by Croatian pianist Ana Žgur, the pieces on this album explore the use of intervals in five limit just intonation, a method in which intervals are built on the prime numbers 2, 3, and 5. Šćekić’s economical use of notes emphasizes the contrast between consonant and dissonant intervals in harmony and melody, chord inversions, and use of the syntonic comma.
The beauty of his music is not only found in the mathematical structures imposed, but in the space between the notes and in the dynamic progression within the pieces. Works like 23.10 and strong man bring to mind Erik Satie’s piano pieces, film music, and minimalism, while autumn fantasy of martin the mouse alternate between moments of powerful chords and wistful high notes, followed by sections of staccato phrases and swaying rhythmic material. Šćekić masterfully crafts pieces that on the surface portray often lyrical, placid, and harmonic gestures, yet are richly calculated and complex in their construction.
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Artist Information
Zoran Scekic
Zoran Šćekić received his BFA in jazz guitar at University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (Austria). As a recipient of the 1998 Bruxelles Stipendium, Šćekić went to Helsinki to continue post-graduate studies in composition and arrangement, and to participate in the International Summit of Music Academy as a representative of the Sibelius Music Academia. His works as composer, arranger, and guitarist in the field of written and improvised music is available on the unofficial six-disc studio and live album compilation Selected Works in Equal Temperament. These recordings are the results of playing jazz guitar in duo, trio and quartet settings; collaborating with light and stage designers, choreographers, and visual artists in the creation of theater and film music; participating in jazz and free jazz festivals; and writing a number of works for big band, chamber orchestra, and large orchestra.