Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Being in a 'race against time' can take many forms: on the one hand it might simply be the experience of trying to complete a task within a given time-frame or an upcoming deadline; or it could be experienced when one feels that the years are passing too quickly as one gets older; alternatively, it could literally be a competitive race, an activity where one has to try to better a certain set time. While the two former situations can often be stressful and not much fun, the latter competitive experience can be something more exciting, especially where being under pressure brings out the best in us. Race Against Time is, therefore, in two large-scale parts reflecting these two different perspectives: the first half of the piece expresses a variety of mixed emotions brought about by a stressful 'race against time' - nervous anticipation, sudden angry outbursts, even some sadness or anguish (or regret) - while the second half of the piece tries to express the 'emotional rush' of a more exciting experience. As is usual for me, the music is frequently quite fast in tempo and very rhythmic, often evoking the energy of various popular music styles. The title also has another connotation - as the music features frequent changes of time signature throughout the piece, and many variations of 'additive' rhythmic structures, the players themselves might sometimes feel they are in a 'race against (changes in) time.'

Work Details

Year: 2010

Instrumentation: Cello, piano.

Duration: 10 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Commission note: Commissioned by Rev. Dr Arthur Bridge, Kim Walker, University of Sydney, Ars Musica Australis.. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

First performance: by David Pereira, Timothy Young — 4 May 10. Eugene Goossens Recital Hall, ABC Centre, Ultimo, Sydney