Work
The Lyrebird in my Piano : for clarinet/bass clarinet, violin and pianoforte
by Richard Grantham (2014)
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Work Overview
The Lyrebird in my Piano was composed for Melbourne trio
PLEXUS to fulfil the 2014 Lyrebird Commission. The title alludes
not only to the commission and the instrumentation, but also to
the extraordinary talents for mimicry of the Superb Lyrebird
itself: not only can they perfectly imitate other birds' calls
and assorted environmental sounds, but some in close contact with
humans have been heard imitating their neighbours' music. Some
observers have even claimed that the bird appears to be capable
of combining two tunes, and singing them practically at the same
time (though this is disputed).
The Lyrebird in my Piano is an attempt to answer the
whimsical question of what a hypothetical lyrebird residing in my
piano might sing. Each of the work's three movements is a hybrid
of the styles of two of my favourite 20th-century composers,
whose works are liable to find themselves inexpertly hammered out
on my well-loved Yamaha. The styles are in no way intended to be
rigorously authentic, which would prove a less interesting
exercise in any case.
The three movements are 'Satók' (Satie x Bartók), 'Reichemitsu'
(Reich x Takemitsu), and 'Debugeti' (Debussy x Ligeti).
Work Details
Year: 2014
Instrumentation: Clarinet in A/bass clarinet in B flat, violin, piano.
Duration: 20 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Contents note: I. Satok -- II. Reichemitsu -- III. Debugeti.
Dedication note: Dedicated to Plexus Ensemble, Lyrebird Music Society
Commission note: Commissioned by Lyrebird Music Society.
The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc in relation to this work:
Strongly influenced by Bartok, Satie, Reich, Takemitsu, Debussy, and Ligeti.
Performances of this work
28 Apr 2024: at Folk and Fantasy (Sydney Opera House, Utzon Room). Featuring Anna Rutkowska-Schock, Andrew Kennedy, Alexandra Osborne.
8 Jun 14: Wyselaskie Auditorium (29 College Crescent, Parkville) . Featuring Philip Arkinstall, Monica Curro, Stefan Cassomenos.
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