Work
Practical mechanics : an ode to technological optimism, for chamber ensemble
by Chris Perren (2012)
Audio Sample
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From the CD Selected Works by AMC Represented Artists, vol. 39. |
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Non-Commercial
This item is not commercially available from the Australian Music Centre. We regret that we cannot offer it for sale.
CD
Selected Works by AMC Represented Artists, vol. 39.
Library shelf no. CD 2513 [Available for loan]
Display all products featuring this work (2 more) 
Work Overview
Practical Mechanics is an ode to technological optimism,
and playfully explores the belief that science can solve all
human problems. The titles and text excerpts are taken from the
tattered pages of vintage issues of Practical Mechanics Magazine,
a home science and technology magazine published between 1933 and
1963.
The collision of hard scientific law with domestic
human life, is reflected by the juxtaposition of mathematical and
rule-based compositional approaches and the ineffably chaotic
nature of human musical intuition. Practical Mechanics employs
various rational and rule-based pattern-making techniques,
including Schillingerian methods, list structures, additive and
constructive techniques and others devised by the composer. This
machine-like nature is especially prominent within the rhythm of
the piece, and imbues the work with a complex yet controlled
sense of mechanical determinacy. The harmony on the other hand is
immediate and expressive, referring more to popular and folk
music and reflecting the human needs central to the development
and use of technology.
Work Details
Year: 2012
Instrumentation: Piano, 2 violins, viola, cello, percussion, guitar, synth, samples.
Duration: 25 min.
Difficulty: Medium — The difficulty lies less in individual parts, and more in executing the rhythms accurately as an ensemble.
Contents note: The great awakening -- Construction details of a novel and fascinating machine -- Hovercrat: transport of the future -- Photographing noise -- The shape of wings to come.
Commission note: Written as part of composition PhD program at UQ, under the supervision of Robert Davidson.
First performance: by Nonsemble — 7 Jun 13. The Box, West End, Brisbane
The composer notes for the following styles, genres, influences, etc associated with this work:
Post-minimalism, Post-rock, art-rock, chamber, minimalism
Subjects
- Influenced by: Post-minimalism
- Influenced by: Minimalism
Performances of this work
7 Jun 13: The Box, West End, Brisbane. Featuring Nonsemble.
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