Work
Extracts from Syllables to attitudes : for two absent female voices, ten musicians and conductor
by Kim Bowman (2011)
Score
Extracts from Syllables to attitudes : for two absent female voices, ten musicians and conductor / Kim Bowman.
Library shelf no. Q 782.14/BOW 2 [Available for loan]
Work Overview
I started this piece in June 2007
Syllables to Attitudes is still in the process of
making. It started with an image of seeing somebody close-up,
talking, without hearing a sound. The piece is constructed of
fragments chained to a common spine. Like walking through a long
corridor with many doors opening onto rooms.
The score is set for 2 female voices and large ensemble with
theatrical and cinematographic elements and the use of broken
down language. From an urge to use voices in a non semantic and
therefore non narrative way I started arranging pages of mere
syllables, derived from random words. These syllables are
combined with attitudes and finally behaviour in an
incomprehensible and purposeless way.
Significant in this context is the following:
- As speech begins to develop in a baby, various ways of
expression start to emerge. Sound becomes meaning. Damaged
version of language can evolve, like stammering and compulsory
use of language which is part of the Tourette Syndrome. These are
examples where language is in a matter of speaking 'enriched' by
meaningless vocalisations.
- Language has a subconscious meaning-appearance in the yet
non-existent form of a word that has not been found in your
memory. It's a meaning without shape. Trying to find a word,
knowing it's meaning but not being able to find it's shape. This
is a phenomenon that became very apparent when I changed from my
mother tongue to English in 2005.
Considering all the above, the singers are therefore actresses as
well.
Extracts from Syllables to Attitudes is instrumental
music from Syllables to Attitudes for a slimmed down
ensemble.
Kim, May 2011
Work Details
Year: 2011
Instrumentation: 2 French horns, percussion (2 players), piano, 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass and conductor Percussion instruments: 1) Maracas, agogo bell, marimba, 5 temple blocks, small chinese cymbal. 2) Tam tam (also with bow), agogo bell, log drum, snare drum, maracas, crotales, 2 timbales conductor plays a metal bucket with pebbles
Duration: 10 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — some theatre actions involved
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