Duration: Approximately 6:00
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This work began life as a song for Soprano and Piano, composed for The Firm New Music concert series in Adelaide, South Australia. It was premiered in Elder Hall by Karina Bailey (Soprano) and Yundi Yuan (Piano) in September 2021. The text comes from a poem by the Australian writer and activist Roberta “Bobbi” Sykes (1944-2010).
Bookended by undulating and gently persistent quaver rhythms, the work sets a scene of optimism and reflection tinged at first with weariness but ending with hope. At times prayerful and at other times angular and dissonant, the music shifts throughout to reflect the various images evoked by the poet: anguished cries, physical distress, loss, and hopelessness, all eventually giving way to renewal, understanding, and new beginnings.
As the Trumpet solo is a direct transcription of the original Soprano line, an understanding of the text will assist with the musical interpretation of the work.
Anne Cawrse 2021
Instrumentation: Fl 1 2, Ob 1 2, Bsn 1 2, Cl 1 2 3, Bs Cl, A Sx 1 2, T Sx, B Sx, F Hn 1 2 3 4, Trom 1 2, B Trom, Euph, Tuba, Dbl Bs, Cym, Glock, Vib, Marimba, and Soprano Soloist*
*The piece can be performed as either a Soprano Solo or Trumpet Solo