By:

• Robin Toan

Duration:

07' 00"

Instrumentation:

3*3*3*3*; 4331; timp., perc. 1 (vibraphone, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals), perc. 2 (bass drum); strings

Availability

• This work has a score

Programme Note

Casa Mila, better known as La Pedrera (The Stone Quarry), is one of Antonio Gaudi’s contributions to the architecture of Barcelona. The eight story apartment building was built between 1906 and 1910 and has absolutely no straight walls. The roof of Casa Mila contain sculpted air ducts and chimneys that are so eerie they were nicknamed “espantabruxes” (“witch-scarers”).

I am a great admirer of Gaudi’s creations and enjoy translating his designs into music. The witch-scarers have magnificent presence and I have revelled in making sounds that capture their terrifying nature, strength and unique shapes.

Difficulty:

Advanced

Influences:

• Spanish
• Sculpture/ painting

Performance History

	05 May 2008	Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kenneth Young, as part of the 2008 NZSO-SOUNZ Readings held at the Wellington Town Hall
		Kenneth Young    New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

Awards

• NZSO-SOUNZ Readings (2008)
  

  Witch Scarers by Robin Toan was performed at the NZSO-SOUNZ Readings in May 2008.