Score & Part
Pied butcherbird suite : for string quartet / Hollis Taylor
Library shelf no. 785.714/TAY 9 [Not for loan]
Work Overview
This four-movement suite was written for string students at the University of Newcastle. All movements derive from the duet recorded on Booth Road in Brookhill, near Townsville. The duet is based on four pitches, an F ascending a minor third to an Ab, then falling a tritone to a D and on down to a C. The four tones form a D minor seven, flat five chord (Dm7 b5). The tension created by this dominant shape is partially stabilised in the repetition. The limitation to four notes (at least structurally) is a challenge to both bird and human. When something this simple connects, it can be powerful.
Work Details
Year: 2008
Instrumentation: 2 violins, viola, cello. 2nd movt is duo for violin and viola.
Duration: 9 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Professional or mature student.
Contents note: 1. Batá fourths: Brookhill -- 2. Tag -- 3. Waltz with tree frogs -- 4. Butch.
Winner of APRA/UWS compostion award 2008.
Performances of this work
13 Aug 2016: at Song Company: I believe I can fly (Glebe Town Hall). Featuring The Song Company.
10 Aug 2016: at Song Company: I believe I can fly (Berry Uniting Church). Featuring The Song Company.
7 Aug 2016: at Song Company: I believe I can fly (The Independent Theatre). Featuring The Song Company.
6 Aug 2016: at Song Company: I believe I can fly (Blackheath Uniting Church). Featuring The Song Company.
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