Work
A Match Struck Twice : for soprano solo, choir, taiko drums and large orchestra
Score
Library shelf no. 782.654/BAR 1 [Available for loan]
Work Overview
In creating a music on the theme of justice I
wanted to compose something which would cause my audience to
reflect on injustice in their own lives. To this end the work
evokes a range of complex emotions. It is sometimes cruel,
disturbing and even violent in tone. At other times there is a
sense of 'rising up', of rebellion and protest. And finally there
is a kind of defiant celebration.
This complexity in emotion was helped by the
contribution of yr 9 students from the Extension English class.
They wrote the lyrics. There is strong emotion in their words.
They are frustrated by the world we adults have created. They are
very aware of the world's injustices and feel a genuine desire
for change. Their words "A match struck twice, she burns again"
suggests someone who had been hurt one too many times and now is
inspiring us to do more.
There is some specific word painting here. We
hear a literal representations of 'striking' in the piano and the
tambourine. Early in the piece these strikes give injustice the
ascendency. This darker side of humanity is reinforced via visual
images created specifically for this piece by Tim Jetis in a
section I refer to as a "silent aria".
In the third and final section, the tables are
turned, the Taiko drums enter one by one, ushering in a sense of
change. The lyrics tell us that "one becomes two, two becomes
three" as the movement for change gathers momentum. From here the
music is like an unstoppable force, driven by optimistic but
determined youth: dragging us towards a more just future.
Let me say a brief thank you to all my colleges
who have helped realise this ambitious project. The students in
this work are performing sometimes complex, professional standard
music. it was only with the help of the enthusiastic and talented
staff of the performing arts department at Monte Sant' Angelo
that this work could have be achieved. Thanks to all.
Work Details
Year: 2018
Instrumentation: Soprano, 3-part choir, piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in B flat, bass clarinet in B flat, 3 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, 4 horns in F, 3 trumpets in B flat, 2 trombones, euphonium, tuba, timpani, percussion (players), Taiko drums, piano, acoustic guitars, strings.
Production includes projected images.
Duration: 12 min.
Difficulty: Medium — Combined Schools Work
Commission note: Commissioned by the Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, Sydney
First performance: by Amber Thomas — 1 Nov 18. Performing Arts Centre, Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, Sydney
Performances of this work
1 Nov 18: Performing Arts Centre, Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, Sydney. Featuring Amber Thomas.
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