"This Rough Magicke" is a dark and quirky little quartet scored for flute (doubling alto flute) clarinet, viola, and double bass. The piece was begun at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in July 2007, and was finished in January of this year. It is a highly virtuosic and contrapuntal work (perhaps resulting from the fact that I began each morning at VCCA playing Bach preludes and fugues! That might explain all the mordents...), and, although the general nature of the piece is darkly expressive, there are also some very light, almost humorous touches throughout. The entire work is really based on only 3 or 4 ideas which keep repeating, alternating, and "morphing" throughout (the piece lasts about 14 minutes).
The title comes from Prospero’s final soliloquy in Act V, Scene 1 of "The Tempest":

But this rough Magicke I heere abjure: and when I have requir’d Some heavenly Musicke (which even now I do) To worke mine end upon their Senses, that This Ayrie-charme is for?

"This Rough Magicke" was commissioned by the St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble and is dedicated to Joan Tower in celebration of her 70th birthday.

Come hear Keith Fitch’s "This Rogue Magicke" at the Chelsea Art Museum on Saturday March 29, or on Sunday, March 30 at Dia: Beacon.  Both concerts begin at 2 p.m.  A reception follows our concert at the Chelsea Art Museum.  Your ticket includes admission to the museum, as well as a chance to meet the composers!

For tickets, please call 212.594.6100 or visit OSLmusic.org