Three Conditions (1978)

Igor Garshnek (b. 1958) — Three Conditions (1978) for organ

“Three Conditions” (1978) is an example of Garshnek’s polystylistic approach. In the work are blended pop harmonies, along with traditional classical structures and elements from modernist sound mass music. The piece begins with a bright, optimistic opening movement. The second movement employs jagged melodic and rhythmic figures and cluster harmonies. The third movement is an aria with an ostinato accompaniment. After the third movement, the opening movement is repeated. The final cadence (ending triadically, but on a second inversion chord) gives a sense of “openness.”

Estonian composer Igor Garshnek (b. 1958) was born in Tallinn and educated at the Tallinn State Conservatory with Eino Tamberg. He pursued postgraduate studies at the Leningrad Conservatory with Sergei Slonimsky and attended György Ligeti masterclass in Hungary. From 1984–2000, Garshnek taught at the Estonian Academy of of Music as well as at other institutions. He served also as a sound engineer for Estonian Radio, worked in film music, and was active in both magazine and music publishing. Garshnek has written numerous music reviews and articles and is also the author of several music textbooks. As a composer, his eclectic polystlistic ldiom draws on elements from rock, pop, minimalism, modernism, and the traditional classical repertoire. His output as a composer includes music in nearly every genre: from large-scale symphonic works to electronic pieces and numerous pop songs. Garshnek has also been the keyboard player for rock ensembles Synopsis (1977–1985), Hõim (1979), Atrium (1982–1983), Ruja (1985–1988), Data (1988–2002), and Led R (since 2003).

Published by Eres Edition