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It is listed in our catalogue because an event featuring a performance of this work was included in our calendar of Australian music. Details of this performance are listed below.
Work Overview
When I was approached by the Adelaide Wind Orchestra to compose this piece with the theme 'A Sunburnt Country' the first thing that popped into my head was the sound of cicadas. To me the 'Sunburnt Country' conjures up images of my farm in upper New South Wales, where the heat is intense, the grass is brown and orange and the cicadas are deafening. Those images and sounds are what my piece, Cicadas, is inspired by.
Cicadas begins with an exploration of the sounds and textures of the cicada song. Throughout the piece we hear the cicada song build in textures and layers as each instrument of the ensemble contributes to re-create their deafening sounds. Throughout the piece, an intense, percussive climax is grows, representative of the harshness of the land during these 'sunburnt' periods.
There is an unexpected change, symbolising the sudden rain which breaks the intense heat and brings relief. Everything softens as smooth, lyrical melodies and harmonies can be heard layered upon each other. The is relief evident as the mugginess clears and life begins to reappear. Vibrant colours of the ensemble become evident and the harshness of previous section seems to have vanished. All throughout we can still faintly hear the cicadas singing their song, waiting for the hottest part of the day to come round again.
Work Details
Year: 2018
Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, 2 oboes, 4 clarinets in B flat, bass clarinet in B flat, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, bassoon, 4 trumpets in B flat, 4 horns in F, 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, timpani, vibraphone, piano, percussion.
Duration: 7 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Commission note: Commissioned by Adelaide Wind Orchestra.. Commissioned and performed by the Adelaide Wind Symphony as part of their 'A Sunburnt Country' concert. December 1st 2018
First performance: by Adelaide Wind Orchestra, Veronica Boulton at A Sunburnt Country (Elder Hall) on 1 Dec 2018
Performances of this work
1 Dec 2018: at A Sunburnt Country (Elder Hall). Featuring Adelaide Wind Orchestra, Veronica Boulton.
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