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Dreamtime (1994) |
For solo flute and string orchestra - c. 10'
The ‘Dreamtime’ of the title refers to the ancient mythical world of the Aboriginals of Australia. In his paintings Ainslee Roberts has captured this fantasy world with remarkable imagination, providing the motivation for this composition. The original version (with piano) contains six pieces designed to demonstrate the varying characters of six different flutes played by Christopher Hyde-Smith, who commissioned the work. The present version for string orchestra uses only three: alto, piccolo and flute in C. 1. WULUWAIT. This is the boatman who takes the spirits of the dead to the island of Purelco, the aboriginal ‘heaven’, a place of universal happiness and goodwill. The call of Wuluwait is the theme of the piece. 2. TIDDALIK. The giant frog who drank all the fresh water in the world, leaving everything and everyone without moisture. The eel, Nabinum, saved the world by performing such a funny dance that the frog laughed helplessly making the water pour out of his mouth to replenish the rivers. 3. THE CURLEW. Describes the transformation of Bima into the bird, committed to wandering through the night in lament for her slaughtered son. 4. LIGHTNING MAN. A frightening figure who inspires fear in everyone during the monsoon season with his long arms and legs which he uses to strike the land.
© Edwin Roxburgh