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Atheletes (2000) |
For 2 part chorus and mixed ensemble: 0000/1010/2Perc, Sarrusaphone or Contrabassoon, strings (00111) - Duration: 20 minutes
The concept of the human
striving to conquer goals never before reached - to jump higher, to run faster,
to hold on for longer - has long fascinated me, and it has its counterpart in
music. It explains the thrill experienced when listening to a virtuoso performer
take on a work of immense difficulty, and the appreciation experienced by listeners
of an orchestra's stamina and concentration when they have just performed a
complex, demanding score. Competition plays a part too, as does ritual - if
we strive against each other in our play, then perhaps we needn't fight for
real.
The 4 sections of Athletes may be played in any order, consecutively or apart,
and the purely instrumental sections may be performed on their own, as may the
2 vocal 'War Cries'. These, with their invented language, were directly inspired
by the imagination and 'fiery' work of the excellent Magdala.
The 3 instrumental movements, 'Ritual', 'Weights', and 'Hurdles' are written
for a 'dark-hued' ensemble of horn, bass trombone, sarrusaphone or contrabassoon,
viola, cello and double bass, and percussion. Each highlights a different instrumentalist.
'Ritual' celebrates the percussionist, 'Weights' the trombonist, and 'Hurdles'
the horn player.
I am greatly indebted to the players of 'Sharp Edge' for the enthusiasm and
creativity they brought me during the compositional process.
© Diana Burrell
Commissioned by Sharp Edge, the new music ensemble of the RPO and 1st performed 29th May 2000 at the Albert Hall, Nottingham.