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Work Overview
This piece describes through music the crucial symbiotic relationship between mycelium (fungal hyphae, represented by flute) and trees (represented by wooden marimba) which occurs in the ground beneath our feet. In a complex and fascinating reciprocal exchange, mineral nutrients pass from mycelium to plant, whilst in return metabolites are transferred from plant to mycelium: both sustain each other through symbiotic support.
The opening - slow, sustained chords in the marimba - represents the deep, mysterious time of the forest. Flute and marimba intertwine in a dialogue, as if 'talking' through sound. As the piece develops, the melodic line (hypha) splits into counterpoint with itself, much like a rhizome. The complex rhythms played are extrapolated from bioelectrical signals of the fungi organism: thanks to Michael Allen Z. Prime (Carbon Ladder) for sonifying the sound of Merlin Sheldrake's book Entangled Life as it is being devoured by mushrooms.
Commissioned by Duo Aya, the piece builds on my original work, Wood Wide Web, which was designed specifically as a musical experience for Australian primary school children to enhance awareness of the natural environment, and specifically to educate around the vital contribution that fungi play in nature. The piece includes an optional audience participation component - where the audience choir can produce a given drone which helps to sustain the musical life of the piece.
Work Details
Year: 2023
Instrumentation: Flute, marimba (4 octave, with optional ossia for 5 octave)
Duration: 8 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Commission note: Commissioned by Duo Aya.
The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc in association with this work:
Mycelium, Nature, Trees, Fungi, Plants, Circle of Life, Biodiversity
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