Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

The Earth's rotation has been gradually slowing for over 4 billion years. This has had a lasting impact on geophysical activity that shapes mountains, oceans, the interior of the planet and its crust. The slow-down is so microscopic (milliseconds per century) that we are unable to physically sense the phenomenon.

This concerto for organ and symphonic winds is written in contemplation of a 'global slow-down'. It's an unsettling idea - but apparently it also allows gravity to pull the planet's shape into an ever more perfect sphere.

The gradual slowing of the Earth is cast in one continuous movement of around 15 minutes duration and was commissioned by the Melbourne City Council for the RAAF Band conducted by Mathew Shelley and featuring Brendon Lukin as organ soloist.

Work Details

Year: 2014

Instrumentation: 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, Eb clarinet, 6 Bb clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, 4 French horns in F, 2 trumpets in C, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, 2 tubas, double bass, solo organ, electric piano, timpani, percussion (3 players).

Duration: 15 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Commission note: Commissioned by City of Melbourne for performance by Royal Australian Air Force Band.

First performance: by Mathew Shelley, Brendon Lukin, Royal Australian Air Force Band — 16 Dec 14. Melbourne Town Hall