Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Circuit Breaker is a work in six parts, written during and drawing from the feelings and experiences that accompanied the 2020/2021 Pandemic induced lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia.

Composed for large ensemble including soprano, alto, tenor saxophones, bass clarinet, violin, viola, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, the work demands improvisation, highly interactive and responsive ensemble playing, amidst notated materials, and direction from a conductor.

The work begins by setting the space with Opening. The second movement Still - encapsulates the sense of stillness that lockdown brought with it. This is followed by Cog which captures feelings of displacement and the uncertainty of shifting territories. The Interlude is characterised by an impassioned melody that possesses feelings of frustration and anguish in response to the situation. There is a return to stillness with Languishing which features improvised interludes prompted by the words "quiet despair". The conclusion comes with Systems Over-Ride a plea to re-evaluate past ways of living and being.

Work Details

Year: 2021, this version: 2023

Instrumentation: Saoprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, trumpet in B flat, trombone, violin (optional loop and effects pedals), viola, guitar, piano, electric bass, drums.

Duration: 36 min.

Contents note: I. Opening -- II. Still -- III. Cog -- IV. Interlude -- V. Languishing -- VI. Systems Over-Ride.

Commission note: Commissioned by Monash Art Ensemble.