Tintinabulum

Programme notes

In July 2009, Robert Casteels shared the daily life of the Akhas people in the village of Ban Saen Ja Rurn, high up in the mountains of northern Thailand. The ringing sound of the Akha voices singing across the valley impressed him greatly and gave him the idea to use a compositional technique of tinkling sounds, hence the title, Tintinabulum. The four initial notes are linked to the acronym of Crédit Industriel et Commercial – Singapore Branch, who commissioned this piece. The composer wishes to leave creative space for performers, who allowed to change the order in which the 6 variations are played.

Handwritten sketches and drafts

to be found on page 105 of the red cover, A4 size, 377 pages sketchbook

Completion of the composition 

5-XII-2009

Recording

link #1 audio of premiere

Score follower

link #2