Work

Programme Note

The nacelle is the main body of the top portion of a modern wind turbine, an enclosure housing an electrical generator, power control equipment, disc brakes and a gearbox. Rotating on its tower to constantly face the prevailing breeze and responding to wind force by setting thresholds for propeller speed, the nacelle is the brains of the operation. Nacelle continues my exploration of metric modulation and its relation to the movement and behaviour of machines, though with the added element of a soloist, who steers the music’s path through different tempi as well as defining the direction of the music’s texture and language; the soloist is the brains of the operation. Two cadenzas allow for an escape from the rigours of the metric scheme, where a subjective take on the timing of proceedings is permitted.

In 2003 I lived close to Wellington’s wind turbine and indulged in regular walks to the landmark.

Nacelle was performed in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland by 175 East in April and May of 2003 with solo clarinetist Gretchen Dunsmore.

Commissioned:

Commissioned by 175 East

• 175 East

Difficulty:

Advanced

Dedication:

Dedicated to Gretchen Dunsmore and 175 East

• 175 East
• Gretchen La Roche

Performance History

	06 Apr 2003	Performed by 175 East (cond. Hamish McKeich) with clarinet soloist Gretchen La Roche; Great Hall of the Christchurch Arts Centre, Christchurch
		175 East    Gretchen La Roche
	07 Apr 2003	Performance by 175 East (cond. Hamish McKeich) with clarinet soloist Gretchen La Roche at The Space, Wellington
		175 East    Gretchen La Roche
	18 May 2003	Performed by Gretchen La Roche (clarinet) and 175 East conducted by Hamish McKeich at Hopetoun Alpha, Auckland
		175 East    Gretchen La Roche    Hamish McKeich
	10 Apr 2013	Performed by Ensemble Reconsil (Thomas Schön – solo clarinet), at the Arnold Schönberg Center, Vienna, Austria