By:

• David Hamilton

Duration:

09' 00"

Instrumentation:

second horn can be replaced by pre-recorded tape

Samples

	Score (93k)	Pages 1-5© David Hamilton
	Recording (469k)	From 3:14 - 4:14© Ode
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Availability

• This work has 2 scores and 3 recordings

Programme Note

Scored for two SSATB choirs with two homs, this work sets a poem by Miguel de Unamuno in Spanish. This work has been performed in Australia, England and the USA, as well as throughout New Zealand. This work is a setting of a short poem by the Spanish poet Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936). It begins by setting the text in a fragmentary manner, choosing single key words from the poem: canta (singing), luna (moon), sosegada (lulling), blanca (white), and sola (alone). Throughout, I have sought to evoke a mood of stillness and calm (except at the two main climaxes), and much of the writing consists of simple diatonic chords alternating between the two choirs. The work ends, as it began, alternating the words ‘canta’ and ‘luna’. The unusual scoring came about through my friendship with a fine horn player and singer – a flippant comment about unorthodox combinations of forces (although I have heard one other work for horn and choir) providing the germ of idea which eventually did bear fruit. ‘The Moon is Silently Singing’ is one of my most widely preformed works internationally, having been heard in Australia, Canada, Germany, England and the USA. It is scheduled for publication by Walton Music in 2004.

Text Note:

Text: Miguel de Unamuno

Difficulty:

Advanced

Influences

• Love