Travelogue (opus 100B)

Programme notes

Travelogue is the imaginary narration of a Singaporean living on planet Mars who returns home in 2065 for a one-day visit. He wanders and wonders. He keeps getting lost, both literally -because he has to ask for directions- and emotionally -because he keeps getting confused. He reacts with bittersweet irony. He truly wanders and wonders. The narration crosses historical periods, from a distant pass through the present towards a projected future. All toponymic references are veracious for which the composer acknowledges with gratitude the research of NUS geographer Victor Savage. In 2014, a first version for voices and un-conducted instrumental ensemble catalogued as opus 100A was premiered during a Spectrum concert in the Esplanade Recital Hall. The audience laughed heartily at the numerous jokes. Dr Chang Tou Liang, reviewer for The Strait Times, summarized the composition as (quote) "a satirical look at a dystopian future when present policies are carried to their logical conclusion". Opus 110B is an expanded version for conducted full orchestra that includes Indian, Chinese and Malay instrument. The non-European instruments are not included to add some ethnic colour or aural flavour. The timbre of these ethnic instruments is woven into the texture of the rest of the orchestra that consists of European instruments, just as the various races of Singapore harmoniously mingle into a unique and rich social fabric. The deeper message of Travelogue is double: to reflect on man’s relationship with nature and to celebrate our unique cultural heritage on the occasion of our Jubilee Year.

Handwritten sketches and drafts

to be found in chapter VIII of the white cover, A3 size, 600 pages sketchbook and page 7 of the blue cover logbook #5 

Completion of the composition 

1-VIII-2015

Recording

link #1 is the audio of the premiere

Score follower

link #2

Review 

"Robert Casteels is masterly in his marrying of ethnic and Western instruments. ... An enormously enjoyable piece, with its many clever and captivating instrumental effects..." 

Marc Rochester, Singapore