Audio Sample
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Performance by Duo Blockstix from the CD Duo Blockstix. |
Selected products featuring this work — Display all products (3 more)
CD
Duo Blockstix. : works for percussion and recorder
Version: This product features the Duos: Recorder, percussion version of this work
Library shelf no. CD 2855 [Not for loan]
Display all products featuring this work (3 more) 
Work Overview
The original version of Affirmations was scored for bass recorder, cello with electronic effects and didgeridoo. It was commissioned by the Aurora Festival, with my aim being to write a positive piece with strong rhythmic groove. The title Affirmations refers to the way the musical material develops: melodic and rhythmic gestures tend to reinforce the forward momentum, rather than set up conflict. At regular intervals, a chant-like melody is revealed by degrees, with the complete tune being played before the final climax. The bass recorder takes on several guises, including Irish fife, Indian flute and exotic bird! The marimba has its work cut out, maintaining a sense of the drone and rhythm which the didgeridoo originally supplied, as well as melodic passages and harmonies which were the domain of the cello.
Work Details
Year: 2014
Instrumentation: Bass recorder, cello with effects, didjeridu.
Duration: 12 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Rhythmic detail, passage work, multiphonics for recorder, ensemble coordination including reliance on didgeridoo providing an underlying pulse.
Commission note: Commissioned by Aurora Festival with funds provided by Blacktown Arts Centre, APRA.. Commissioned by Aurora Festival with funds provided by APRA, Blacktown Arts Centre.
First performance: by Alicia Crossley, Mark Atkins, Oliver Miller at Ecstatic Dances (The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre) on 1 May 2014
The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc associated with this work:
Minimalism, Indian music, Ross Edwards, Irish folk music, Organum, Modality, Indigenous music, Improvisation, Drone.
Videos
Affirmations |
Subjects
- Influenced by: Edwards, Ross
- Influenced by: Indigenous music
- Influenced by: Minimalism
- Influenced by: Electronic music
- Influenced by: Irish folk music
- Influenced by: Improvisatory Music
Performances of this work
17 Jun 2017: at Duo Blockstix (Sydney Opera House, Utzon Room). Featuring Duo Blockstix.
15 Jun 2017: at Duo Blockstix (Wesley Music Centre). Featuring Duo Blockstix.
1 May 2014: at Ecstatic Dances (The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre). Featuring Alicia Crossley, Mark Atkins, Oliver Miller.
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