Aqua Ignis
Clarinet, violoncello, piano and three metronomes
Programme notes
Aqua Ignis derives its title from the Latin words for water and fire. This composition for clarinet, cello, piano, and three metronomes is inspired by the devastating forest fires caused by the human overexploitation of our planet's natural resources. The musical material is rigorously controlled, built entirely from a core set of elements: one mode, one chord, one focal pitch, one retrogradable rhythmic cell, and clusters. Aqua Ignis functions as a triple metaphor within the performance:
Dense clusters represent the destructive force of fire.
Emerging harmonics symbolize the cleansing element of water.
The ominous ticking of the metronomes underscores the urgency of time running out.
The systematic, stepwise increase in the speed of the metronomes and the performance tempo collectively symbolize the cumulative negative effects of climate change.
Parts
included with the score
Recording
link #1 is the audio of the premiere
Score follower
link #2
Handwritten sketches and drafts
to be found in chapter X of the white cover, A3 size, 600 pages sketchbook and page 41 of the blue cover logbook #5
Completion of the composition 8-VI-2016
Original creation by designer Neol Leung Yick Chuen [2016] (reproduced with the permission of the designer)
Duration:
5'
Composed In:
2016
Dedicated to:
Parts:
For the score that includes the parts, please email <rc@robertcasteels.com>
First performance:
Liu Yunbei (cello), Stephanie Tan (clarinet) and Tan Tzu Kwang (piano)
First performed by:
Commissioned by:
979-090-16-5426-6
Download Link: