It Fama Per Urbes

(Rumor traverses the Cities)

David Hahn

Year

1998


Duration

5'


Genre

Solo


Commission

Cem Duruöz


Premiere

San Francisco Guitar Society


Source

composer homepage; Cem Duruöz website;


Details

It Fama per Urbes (Rumor traverses the cities) is a single-movement sonata for solo classical guitar. It is divided into three internal sections: moto perpetuo, lento and a scherzo-like finale. The piece is based on two different modes or scale patterns, a technique which gives the impression of constant and fundamental disagreement. The sound of the piece reminded me of the personification of "Rumor" which appears in the famous fourth book of Vergil's Aeneid . This powerful figure flies about indiscriminately sewing lies, turning fortunes, and destroying lives. "Rumor" or "Fama" (the cognate, although different in meaning, being "Fame") has an apt analogy in today's super-fluidity of images and information which, more often than not, irresponsibly direct our minds and opinions. It Fama per Urbes is dedicated to guitarist Cem Duruöz.
- David Hahn (from: composer homepage)