Symphony No. 1 – Transient Energies * (2010/11)
duration 40:00
symphony orchestra and computer (EA)
Commissioned by Symphony Nova Scotia / Bernhard Gueller, conductor
* WORK IN PROGRESS
Funding for this composition was generously provided by:
Read the Blog
I'll be writing thoughts about the creation of this new work. Pictures and audio samples will be posted periodically.
Premiere scheduled for April 7 & 10, 2011
Rebecca Cohn Auditorium
Halifax Nova Scotia
Symphony Nova Scotia
Instrumentation
Computer / Multimedia
2 Flutes (both flutes double piccolo)
2 Oboes (2nd doubles english horn)
2 Bb Clarinets (2nd doubles bass clarinet)
2 Bassoons (2nd doubles contrabassoon)
2 Horns in F
2 Trumpets in C
1 Timpani / Percussion
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Concept
A work for orchestra and electronic sound that takes its inspiration and source material from the generation and use of energy in Nova Scotia. This will be an artistic statement on global warming and the dire affect power consumption has on the natural world. Mapping original sound files, processed sound files and the abstract gestures of these sounds (convolution) onto and amongst the instruments of the orchestra I'll create what I like to refer to as the "Hyper–Earth–Instrument". To further enhance this concept live sounds from the coast of Nova Scotia may be broadcast in the hall at moments during the composition.
Individual movements focus on a singular aspect of power generation. Nova Scotia uses a combination of wind, hydro, tidal, coal, natural gas and oil. Ultimately all forms of energy production have an impact on the environment. I’ve selected three broad themes: Coal, Wind & Water (renewable resources) and Crude Oil.
There are 4 movements. Oil is featured in both the first and last movements. In the first, oil is heard as traffic sounds. In the fourth, oil is heard as primordial gurgling and other effects. Coal is heard as shoveling and other sounds related to coal production; trains, whistles and water for example. Rotations, the third movement, is in reference to the rotation of blades on a wind turbine, or a turbine in the water, but it also refers to the “rotation” or recycling of renewable resources.
I – Highways (oil)
II – Dis-shovel’d (coal)
III – Rotations (wind and water)
IV – Crude (oil)