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Work Overview
Albedo
Acoustica Along a River
albe'do n.(pl -s). fraction of incident radiation reflected
by a surface,
acou's tica (-oo'-) a.
relating to sound or sense of hearing, art of sound. [Gk
akousticas]
Albedo Acoustica began as a sound and
light installation along the Yarra river in Warrandyte.
The idea for this composition is to
reflect on the Australian environment. The crucial factor in our
environment is water and our rivers.
The lines of poetry are included on the score as expression
marks at the beginning of each major section, in much the same
way as traditional expression marks.
Rewritten in 1999 as a piano duet for Janis Cook and Fiona Fraser, rewritten in 2021 for large orchestra. There is a version for Brass Band and another for Concert Band.
Originally the work was based on the waterways and river systems of Australia. Impressions and ideas for the work were gleaned from Australian poetry including Songs of the Songmen, some of which are songs of creation.
The version for large orchestra is subtitled 'Gaia - life, death, regeneration'.
The destructive misuse of our waterways though agriculture and mining has great consequences and contributes to global warming. These days in 2021, changes are increasingly rapid. There is world wide suffering wherever one looks. For us humans this is a grim story. However, life never ends, whether humans are part of it or not. My story is about regeneration. The rush and desire for life.
The form of Albedo Acoustica is to some extent minimalist. In another way it is an impressionist work. However, the overarching form is a narrative form.
In some ways this work is impresionist in other ways minimalist.
A midi recording is available on Soundcloud http://soundcloud.com/barry-mckimm
Work Details
Year: 1997
Instrumentation: 2 Pianos
Duration: 21 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Dedication note: Composed for Janis Cook and Fiona Fraser
Subjects
- Has as subject/About: Landscape and Nature
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