Grade 3 - Two Fires Talking (Music For Acknowledgement Of Country)

NB - pre-purchase now for hardcopy or PDF delivery after 28 May 2025

Originally commissioned by Artology for its Acknowledgement of Country program.

First Performance by Queensland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Rachel Howley, 29 September 2021.

This arrangement for Symphonic Wind Ensemble was commissioned by Rachel Howley. Completed 2025. 

Note: This piece in and of itself is an acknowledgement of country without the need for any further words to the same effect.

It is recommended that it is stated in any program as the following: 

"The piece Two Fires Talking is composed by First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury and fulfills an acknowledgement of country through music."

The piece is about two Aboriginal clans coming together for business and cultural sharing. It suggests the leaving of two separate hearths to come together around one. It suggests respectful silence, protocol and sharing. It also suggests the coming together of two cultures - Aboriginal and European, in a similar attitude of sharing.

Instrumentation: Piccolo, Flute 1 2, Oboe, Bassoon, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax 1 2, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, F Horn 1 2, Bb Trumpet 1 2, Trombone 1 2, Euphonium BC (TC part included), Tuba, Double Bass/Bass Guitar, Electric Piano, Tympani, Crotales (opt. Glockenspiel), Suspended Cymbal, Claves