Work

Programme Note

Y2k Pacemaker is an attempt to reflect some of the increasingly frenzied apprehension associated with the coming millennium, and more specifically, the “year 2000 computer bug”. Whether computer failures will cause a slight inconvenience or be a major disruption to life seems largely a matter for conjecture. However, I find the escalating alarm (sometimes exacerbated by scaremongers) and often ensuing bizarre reactions a fascinating aspect of our psychological makeup. The main idea behind the work is a measured increase in tempo which culminates in some frenetic activity. The musical texture incorporates ordinary scalic movement and has been derived from a simple octatonic scale. (The computer on which I wrote this work is ‘year 2000 compliant’ !) I would like to thank the Auckland Philharmonia for the opportunity to write “Y2k Pacemaker” and have long admired the orchestra’s commitment to New Zealand music.

Commissioned:

Commissioned by Auckland Philharmonia as part of their Millennium Fanfare Series

• Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Difficulty:

Advanced

Influences:

• Historical Event

Performance History

	05 Aug 1999	Performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya
		Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra