| sitemap | feedback |  |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Listener's Guide The composer's brief was to compose a ten minute composition that would explore and expose the layers of sound that surround us throughout the breadth of our Universe. The composer decided to approach this task by beginning far from the Earth macrocosm and then spiralling ever-inward microcosm. The composition runs continuously for a duration of ten minutes from its beginning ( Track 2) however various access points have been provided to allow teachers to enter the composition at various points in order to highlight aspects of the composition. The following are Track guides to the music. Track 1: On the CD track 1 is the children's introduction to the music program 'Discovery of Music and Sound' and this Music scape, 'World Symphony' Track 2: The Universe The music begins in outer space. There is an initial stillness and sense of spaciousness about the music. This is broken by the sound of asteroids and comets " whizzing " across the 'soundscape' . Notice how the sound which represents the movement of the comet / asteroid actually moves from one stereo speaker to the other thereby actually creating a sense of movement. Track 3: Our Galaxy There then begins a repeated ' ostinato ' a musical phrase containing bright, metallic bell - like sounds ( representing stars ). ( 00.49 )Over this is sounded a bold trumpet - like motif which conveys the sense of wonder and Majesty of the Earth as viewed from outer space. The sound that is used is deliberately chosen as an artificial or synthetic sound to convey the use of modern technology in outer space. Track 4: Planet Earth As we move closer to the Earth we hear the sound of the rotation of the Earth on its axis. The sound is dull, resonant and extremely powerful. This sound marks the transition from Space to Earth. As we move inwards into the Earth's atmosphere we hear the sound of the elements; wind, rain, thunder. The solo French Horn is chosen to represent the mighty eagle soaring over the mountainous Landscape. As we continue to move downwards and inwards against the sound of the (02.15 ) String section and French horn there is an audible backdrop of sounds from nature; animals, birds, nocturnal jungle sounds and finally the sea. Track 5: Under Sea The sound of the surf marks the next transition in our journey as we move into an Underwater world. Once more there is a sense of stillness in this 'Inner Space'. The movement of the sea is conveyed by the sound of a repeated musical phrase, ever constant - never changing. This tapestry is broken only by bell - like sounds flitting in and out. A theme is then played by the strings. The theme contains large intervals between the notes of the melody conveying a sense of floating, weightlessness and stretching. There begins a downward chromatic movement of bells as the lower strings play a sustained melody. All that is left once more is the sound of the underwater stillness. Track 6: The World at Work The transition from underwater to dry land and the mechanical modern world of man - made sounds begins gradually. A rhythm is played out on metallic construction sounds and a steam piston. The melody is then introduced played on a strident synthetic sound. This sound has been deliberately chosen for its harshness. The melody is mechanical and relentless; machine - like. Behind the melody is punctuated by a series of aggressive hits. Track 7: Cultures The world of mechanisation is left behind as we move into a dance that begins in Ireland but which will stretch out with its instrumentation and rhythms across many ethnic boundaries. The Uilleain pipes, bouzouki, bodhran and finger bells form the initial instrumentation. The bass and strings join in giving the dance added colour and ' lift'. The hi - hat doubles in speed from 4 strikes per bar to 8 strikes to bar. All this serves to intensify the dance. One final drum break into the industrial and mechanical sounds before the music lifts once more with a key change into a more Latin - American / Brazilian instrumentation of Brass section (Trumpets and Trombone , shakers, timbales, congas, bongos….. Track 8: 'Children's Song' The children's voices join in the universal song. " Sing, sing, a song; sing it everyone. Sing sing along; join in everyone " Can you hear the children sing their song, Sing, sing, a song; sing it everyone. Sing sing along; join in everyone You can make a difference if you join "Track 9: Vocal Chants The children begin to explore vocal chants that they composed themselves. The transition is signified by the sound of the children rolling their ' rrr's ' ee kk aka o wahTrack 10: Body Sounds The final section of the piece is initiated through an exploration of body sounds. Listen out for clapping, facial slapping ( I had to be treated for concussion afterwards!!! ), Mouth popping, chest striking, finger clicking, thigh slapping……vocal oh wah ( featuring a guest appearance by Rolf Harris' didgeridoo ) And finally focussing on the internal body sound of the heart beat. back to top |
|