Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Surya Namaskar, Chaand Namaskar drew inspiration and ideas from a number of sources. Within the work a thoroughgoing exploration of metre unfolds. Phrases of different lengths are presented in succession and, in the reflective movements, the music breathes within two complementary metric fields at the same time.
At its simplest level it is a duo for horn and percussion instruments. The fast music of the first, third and fifth movements frame the slow music of the second and fourth. The prime consideration is to engage and please the ear. The music must be sustained and made compelling by its melodies, tones and its rhythmic dynamism.
To centre the music firmly within the dynamic tidal, rhythmic-metric interplay, the composer chose to avoid all but the essential harmonic elements. Music for the horn is drawn from the Phrygian and Aeolian modes, while the percussionist performs a collection of woodblocks, bongos, cymbals and gongs. The formal and metric design is the handmaiden of melody, contour and sonority.
The greeting (namaskar) to the sun and moon (surya, chaand), goes deeper than the contrast between fast and slow, or horn and percussion - two opposite fields/worlds complement, enrich and complete the other.

Work Details

Year: 1993

Instrumentation: Horn, percussion.

Duration: 17 min.

Difficulty: Advanced — Professional.

Contents note: In 5 movements.

Dedication note: Dedicated to Joan and Ben Trupperbaumer.

First performance: by Michael Dixon, Stephanie McLaw — 1993. Nepali Peace Pagoda, Southbank Parklands, Brisbane