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Work

Chinese whisper : string ensemble

by Damien Ricketson (2000)

Audio Sample

Performance by Orfeus Chamber Orchestra from the CD Selected works by AMC represented artists, vol. 35.

This sample is of the Large chamber ensembles version of this work

Selected products featuring this work — Display all products (2 more)

Selected works by AMC represented artists, vol. 35.

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. 35.

Version: This product features the Large chamber ensembles version of this work

Library shelf no. CD 2477 [Available for loan]

Chinese whisper

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Score

Chinese whisper : for mixed string ensemble, 11 players / Damien Ricketson.

Library shelf no. Q 785.719/RIC 1 [Available for loan]

Display all products featuring this work (2 more)  

Work Overview

The Chinese Whisper ensemble of twelve string players is divided into three smaller ensembles; an amplified violin and cello duo, a string quartet, and a permanently muted sextet. The three ensembles are considered different characters, each with a unique musical heritage. The muted sextet (tuned a quarter-tone flat) is termed 'shadow' and is imagined as an almost forgotten folk music. The string quartet, termed 'image', is the most reminiscent of a mainstay classical-music language. The amplified duo ('silhouette') is imagined as an outline of something to come, a truly unique musical language. The three characters begin the piece with distinctive stylistic predilections, as though three individuals with uncommon life- stories suddenly find themselves having to engage with one another. The work subsequently unfolds as twelve miniature movements, each movement being a conceptual reiteration of the previous. Like the children's game 'Chinese whispers', however, with each repetition a process of distortion occurs. As the story is repeated and passed around the three characters, they gradually transform from individual entities with distinct languages towards a common amorphous whole.

Work Details

Year: 2000

Instrumentation: Solo electric 6-string violin, string quartet (2 violins, viola, violoncello), muted sextet (2 violins, 2 violas, violoncello, double bass).

Duration: 20 min.

Performances of this work

16 Nov 02: Krakow, Poland. Featuring Orfeus Chamber Orchestra.

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