John Buckley’s highly contemporary music on “In Winter Light” is very improvisational. It is likened to an abstract painting in the late 20th century. People’s views on beauty are so different. The music isn’t that mathematical, but has elements of twelve-tone rows and microtonal elements that make the music a sparking interest to those who love mathematically inspired music. The music for guitar and flute features duets between the guitar and flute as well as many solo pieces on each instrument. The set is quite an exercise in sequencing music together in one album or piece that flows chromatically from one song to the next. The Three Pieces for Solo Flute is one of the most highly chromatic in the set, featuring all of the above elements like a section of microtonal exploitations, twelve-tone rows and a break-neck tempo above all else. Many of these are like wild goose chases with clever little advanced techniques thrown in at various times.
The microtonal techniques play a lot on the ears. Guitars and flute detuned are some of the most fascinating sounds in the popular classical tradition. The tempos of most of the pieces could be likened to a kind of scampering, a kind of wistful sweep. The variety is certainly one to feast your ears on with so much color that it explodes with invention and promise.
John Buckley has been known for collections like these where he showcases pieces for solo instruments and chamber pieces with larger orchestral pieces employing same or similar sounds, colors, and techniques. This collection may or may not strike you as interesting or pleasing to the ears on the first listen, but it will grow on you. Give this collection quite a few listens. Let it be a model for you if you choose that you want to study composition.
