Audio Sample
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Performance by Callithumpian Consort, Stephen Drury from the CD Selected Works by AMC Represented Artists, vol. 84. |
Non-Commercial
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CD
Selected Works by AMC Represented Artists, vol. 84.
Library shelf no. CD 2854 [Available for loan]
Work Overview
Firestick is concerned with how the instigation of a modern version of 'firestick farming' - originally a practice of Australia's Indigenous people - could not only minimise horrendous damage by bushfires to wilderness, properties and homes, but also change how contemporary Australians relate to their own environment. Rather than trace a particular narrative, this work seeks to outline a change of perception: from anger and despair at the rampaging nature of bushfire, to the realisation- through "firestick farming"- that fire is an integral part of life in Australia. The cycle of destruction and regeneration intimated physically and psychologically by this trajectory is also addressed. This is of particular resonance with the inceptive context of the work, as the New Millennium can be perceived both as an end and a fresh beginning.
Work Details
Year: 1999
Instrumentation: Modified chamber orchestra (Eb clarinet, Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, 2 horns, percussion, violin I+II, viola, cello, double bass).
Duration: 26 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Professional or advanced tertiary
Contents note: 1. Destruction -- 2. Desolation – Rejuvenation -- 3. Regeneration.
Dedication note: Dedicated to Peter Sculthorpe
Commission note: Commissioned by Faber Music Ltd for its Millennium Series
First performance: by Callithumpian Consort, Stephen Drury — 15 Jun 09. Williams Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston MA USA
Analysis
Resonate article: Insight: Hipster Zombies from Mars by Nicholas Vines
Performances of this work
15 Jun 09: Williams Hall, New England Conservatory, Boston MA USA. Featuring Callithumpian Consort, Stephen Drury.
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