1989, r. 1997

for SSAATB choir, alto soloist and koauau

By:

• Helen Fisher

Duration:

07' 00"

Availability

• This work has a recording and a resource

Programme Note

Inspired by sparkling waters of Tasman Bay Nelson, this choral work (SSAATB) was originally composed with flute accompaniment, which has been substituted in performances by the Shakuhachi (traditional Japanese flute) and also the Koauau (traditional Maori flute). There are recordings of Pounamu with each of these flutes. The piece’s choral texture uses Maori vowel sounds and a text which is a whakatauki (proverb) from the Waikato region.

Difficulty:

Advanced

Influences:

• Landscape - NZ
• Maori - culture

Related Works

Pounamu

Helen Fisher

Performance History

	23 Dec 2008	Performed by Tower Voices New Zealand conducted by Karen Grylls with Richard Nunns (koauau) and Elise Bradley (alto). This was broadcast on the radio programme Light on New Zealand Composers, produced by Eva Light
		Karen Grylls    Richard Nunns    Voices New Zealand