Audio Sample
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From the CD Selected Works by AMC Represented Artists, vol. 149. |
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Non-Commercial
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CD
Selected Works by AMC Represented Artists, vol. 149.
Library shelf no. CD 3266 [Available for loan]
Score [ePDF]
Śūnyatā : for orchestra [eScore] / Fiona Hill.
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Work Overview
The title of my composition Śūnyatā (pronounced "shoonyata") is a Sanskrit word which has multiple meanings depending on its doctrinal context. It is generally described as a Buddhist concept of 'emptiness' where everything is interconnected in a state of constant flux. Whilst composing the work I surrounded myself with symbols from Neolithic Goddess mythology and resonated with the concept of a deep spiral which grounds us to the earth and traces lines to our ancient ancestors.
The opening of the piece sees the whole orchestra breathing together like a giant 'yogic breath'. The deep spiral gradually begins and the orchestra wakes together like a sleeping giant. The focus of the work is largely textural and attempts to evoke concepts of timeless totality and transcendence to other dimensions.
Some quotes from the book "The myth of the Goddess: Evolution of an image" by Anne Baring and Jules Cashford were particularly inspiring:
"The Bird Goddess appears as the vessel that is both labyrinth and door to the dimension beyond human life"
"The cosmic egg of the universe was laid by the cosmic mother bird, and its cracking open was the beginning of time and space."
"She (the Goddess) governed the fecundity of woman….. She was an enduring image of both renewal in time and timeless totality"
Work Details
Year: 2021
Instrumentation: 2 Flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), oboe, cor anglais, clarinet in Bb, bass clarinet in Bb, bassoon, contrabassoon, 2 horns in F, trumpet Bb, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, strings.
Duration: 10 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Extended techniques and instrument preparations
Dedication note: Dedicated to John Hill.
Commission note: Commissioned by Composing women - Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
First performance: by Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Simon Reade — 14 Jun 21. Hobart
The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc. of this work:
textural, microtonal, orchestral, extended techniques, preparation, preparations, filmic, film, drone, melody, melodic, cello solo, breath.
Awards & Prizes
| Year | Award | Placing | Awarded for/to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Art Music Awards: Work of the Year: Large Ensemble | Finalist | Fiona Hill |
Analysis
Resonate article: Creating Śūnyatā by Fiona Hill
Videos
Śūnyatā |
Performances of this work
14 Jun 21: Hobart. Featuring Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Simon Reade.
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