Multitudes

Programme notes

Singaporean poet Adam Tie wrote a book of poems entitled Finders & Keepers. He is often cited as a key figure making local literature and poetry more accessible and engaging in Singapore. (Dixit Casteels) I choose Multitudes, the thirteenth poem of a group subtitled I am empowered because sonic ideas immediately sprung to my mind at first reading. The first and last verse encapsulate the idea of identity through self-empowerment. The first verse is a canonic stretto. This stretto returns four times, every time in a tighter stretto with a different meaning. The source of inspiration of each poem was three words given to Adam Tie by strangers. In the book these three words always precede a dedication and the title of a poem. The introduction of the composition quotes these three inspirational words: charming, limitless, question. The stepwise increase in tempo expresses a growing sense of urgency until the coda states the real question: "So, dear stranger, the real question here is: who are you to ask?".

Handwritten sketches and drafts

to be found in chapter XXVI of the white cover, A3 size, 600 pages sketchbook

Completion of the composition 

29-I-2020