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Sheet Music: ScoreCharlotte : for SATB choir / Damian Barbeler.by Damian Barbeler (2023)
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Product details
Judith Nangala Crispin's poem "On Finding Charlotte in the
Anthropological Record" depicts her 20-year search for her
Indigenous heritage during which she finds a single photo of her
great-great-grandmother, Charlotte.
The choral setting honours Judith's raw emotions, and reminds
listeners that Charlotte was not just an archive entry, but a
real person, whose family still yearn for connection. The music
also references Lake Moodmere: Charlotte's country. I visited
twice while composing, and made field recordings, including a
soulful birdcall: likely a Grey Shrike-Thrush. This call appears
most significantly when Charlotte herself speaks: 'Where did you
go girl?'. Harmonies reflect the ambient harmonics of the River
Red Gum forest there. Two soloists become a Magpie carolling. At
the end, the choir rebelliously throws paper in the air evoking
the countless photos of unnamed Indigenous people in archives,
and Judith's relentless search of paper records.
Charlotte was commissioned by Musica Viva Australia's Artistic
Director Paul Kildea for a 2024 tour by the Choir of King's
College, Cambridge. Paul and Choir Director Daniel Hyde were
determined that this commission should explore our shared
colonial history. To this end, in Sydney the Choir walked on
Borogegal Country with Judith and First Nations cultural advisor
Djon Mundine OAM: a historically charged and touching cultural
exchange.
My journey in composing this work was made possible by the
mentorship of various Indigenous Elders and friends who have
helped me develop a deeper understanding of First Nations
cultures and philosophies, and a richer though still nascent
relationship with our ancient country.
Here I specifically thank Judith, Djon, and Rodney Doyle, who
generously gave invaluable advice and insight.
Published by: Australian Music Centre — 1 facsimile score (18p. -- A4 (portrait))
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 8 mins
Commissioned by Musica Viva Australia.
Lyrics adapted from the poem 'On Finding Charlotte in the Anthropological Record' by Judith Crispin.
Indigenous and Torres Strait Island people should note that this work contains references that might be distressing or culturally sensitive. There are references to a person who has died, to themes and experiences around the Stolen Generations as well as place names recalling violent historical events. All care has been taken in this work to deal with these issues in a sensitive and respectful manner.
Typeset edition.
This edition produced 2024.
ISMN: 979-0-67316-529-8
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