Work Overview
Based on a poem by Valerie Gillies, this work depicts the atmosphere created around an Anglo-Indian tuner as he tunes an old upright "both of them a relic of imperial times". It is scored for 4 solo voices plus choir with piano interventions and tam-tam in verse 5. The piano should be played live off-stage or pre-recorded and played back through loud speakers during the performance. Another piano, an old but tuned upright is played on-stage "ad lib" (based on the harmonies of the piece) in order to illustrate the poem and assist the choir's intonation. Traditional notation is used throughout.
Work Details
Year: 1980
Instrumentation: SATB choir (with 4 solo voices) piano, tam-tam.
Duration: 12 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Professional
Dedication note: Per Giovanni
Commission note: Commissioned by Astra Chamber Music Society with funds provided by Australia Council.
First performance: by Astra Choir, Lawrence Whiffin, Dieter Bajek, John McCaughey — 1980. Assembly Hall, Collins Street Melbourne
Performances of this work
1980: Assembly Hall, Collins Street Melbourne. Featuring Astra Choir, Lawrence Whiffin, Dieter Bajek, John McCaughey.
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