2005

for piano trio, with effects pedals and amplification

By:

• Michael Williams

Instrumentation:

violin, cello, and piano. Each performer should have the following pedals: reverb, delay, and on/off switch.

Samples

Score (79k)

Page 1

© Michael Williams

Availability

• This work has 2 scores and a recording

Programme Note

This piece was inspired by Plato’s allegory of the cave in which he describes humankind as existing in a world where truth is merely a shadow.

…above and behind them a fire is blazing at a distance, and between the fire and the prisoners there is a parapet; and you will see, if you look, a low wall built along the way, like the screen which marionette players have in from of them, over which they show the puppets. …they only see their shadows, or the shadows of one another, which the fire throws on the opposite side of the cave.

I have used Plato’s allegory more as a point of departure and as an occasional reference point rather than a literal representation of the story. However, there are instances where I have deliberately tried to capture the character of the marionette players, the fire and the shadows.

The purpose of the digital effects, are twofold. Firstly, the delay and reverb should at times create a nebulous quality in which motifs become slightly blurred and imprecise. Secondly, with the aid of amplification and effects, the more intimate colours of the piano strings being stroked or violin and cello pizz are given more presence.

Michael Williams
Notes taken from Ahi – The Ogen Trio, Atoll Records ACD108

Commissioned:

Commissioned by Chamber Music New Zealand to be performed by the Ogen Trio. The funds for the commission were provided by Creative New Zealand.

Dedication:

for the Ogen Trio with my sincere thanks

Funders:

• Creative New Zealand

Performance History

	25 Jun 2005	Performed by the Ogen Trio; Mahurangi College Hall, Warkworth