The Two Brothers

The Two Brothers is an arrangement by Nico Muhly of a story taken from the folk tale and nursery rhyme tradition. A simple yet stirring setting, The Two Brothers is arranged for two-part children's Chorus and Piano accompaniment. The Two Brothers tells the story of two young boys whose dangerous play-fighting curiosity ends up in tragedy. The juxtapostion of the bright and beautiful voices at the beginning of the piece with the tragic ending and lyrics leaves a stark and lasting impression. When the lyrics turn violent a series of brilliant discords emanates from the Piano, adding to the contrast between the voices, the lyrics and the music. An expertly-composed work, Nico Muhly's The Two Brothers is a harrowing tale that never compromises on beauty. Commissioned for the Friday Afternoons project, this is one composition that is likely to remain with you and your audiences for a long time.