Jacob Mashak
Beatus Vir for Two Pianos
Duration
Pianist 1
9
1
Movement 1
35
1
Interlude 1/2
12
Movement 2
35
1
Interlude 2/3-1
12
1
Each of the two piano movements is notated spatially, with each line for the two piano movements to be performed at 5 minutes per line, and the interludes (and prelude) for solo piano at 3 minutes per line. Dynamics should be, for the most part, quiet. Performers may, however, allow their creative impulses to lead them to moments of expressive loudness. The greater trend, though, should be towards peacefulness. There are very few indications of dynamics: in Movement 2 the second pianists has eight notes marked forte , in Movement 4 there are two pairs of coordinated octaves between between both pianists which should be attacked with utmost force, tutta forza. Only notes marked with a bracket (in the duet movements) or a stem (in the solo movements) are to be played simultaniously.
Interlude 2/3-2
9
2
1*
Movement 3
35
2
1
Interlude 3/4
9
2
Movement 4
35
2
Interlude 4/5
12
Movement 5
35
2
Interlude 5/6
9
2
Movement 6
40*
1
Interlude 6/7
12
1
The premiere performance used three pianists, playing in a rotation. This allowed for each performer to take sufficient breaks, have lunch, and continue to focus on the performance. Though other arrangements are possible (and certainly allowed), I have found the three-person crew to be most ideal. On the opposite page is a chart showing the movement and piano assignments for each player in this arrangement.
Movement 7
35
1
Interlude 7/8
9
Movement 8
35
1
Interlude 8/9
12
1
Movement 9
45*
2
Interlude 9/10
12
2
Movement 10
65
2
Movement 11
20
2
Interlude 11/12
12
2
Movement 12
35
1
Interlude 12/13
12
1
Movement 13
35
1
Beatus Vir consists of 13 large movements for two pianos with interludes between most of those movements for one piano and a prelude, also for one piano. The entire work should be performed without intermission, only one minutes between each of the movements and interludes to allow for the accumulated sound to disperse. The entire work, including the space between the movements, should be played with the sustain pedal down, held by a wedge (like those used by piano tuners and technicians).
Other notes: Movement 6: Repeat the marked section no less than 3 times. Movement 7, piano 2: Several notes are marked as harmonics. These should be realized as the pitch an octave higher, with the pianist touching the node that equally bisects the strings. If this is impossible due to the piano's construction, the pitches should be played on the keyboard an octave higher than notated and very lightly. Movement 9: The final two minutes are to be repeated several times, durring which the pianists should improvise in a style fitting the character of the rest of the piece
Beatus Vir is a work of unexpected beauty, if the performer approaches it with a sense of peace and an appreciation of its meditative qualities. - Jacob Mashak
Prelude
Pianist 2
Pianist 3
2 2 2
1 1 1
2
2 2 2
1
1 1
2
2
* Pianist 2 remains at the 1st piano while Pianist 1 plays Interlude 2/3-2 Numbers in the “Pianist� columns indicate the part (1 st or 2nd) of the movements that pianist plays, and the piano at which they play the interludes.