Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Jas Duke's poetry appeals to me because of its witty social insight, its directness of expression and all-embracing honesty, and not least its humour. There is also a 'musical' revelling in the pure sound of words. It is this interest in Sound and Daily Life that give him a unique place in Australian poetry - an Australian Dadaist if you like!

I have grouped the songs thematically, though they may be performed in any order, or individually. The vocal style should be direct, not too refined, with a natural 'Australian' accent -i.e. flat rather than rounded.

Work Details

Year: 1994

Instrumentation: 2 sopranos, alto, tenor, baritone, bass baritone.

Duration: 35 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Contents note: Sound poem -- Positive poem -- Presentations -- Mirror man -- Alphabet action -- Sexism in 1972 -- Poets are not good lovers -- Doing it the lesbian way -- Fuzzbug -- Stalin -- The Pope -- Shit poem -- The real hero of Eureka -- Happy birthday Australia.

Commission note: Commissioned by The Song Company with funds provided by Australia Council.

Analysis

Program note: Selections from War and Peace
Colin Bright — © Colin Bright
Source: The Song Company - Modern Art Series No. 2

Review: Taking artistic licence - Song Company Modern Art Series September 18
Gordon Kerry — © Sydney Morning Herald
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 20/9/1996