Work

Programme Note

For a while now, I have had an interest in the nature of sound and timbral nuances. In this piece I also explored the concept of vibration and movement around a fixed point.

Fixed points appear in many guises through-out the work, at times they are explicit, other times more implicitly implied, particularly later in the piece. In all cases the focus is on timbre and movement within a sound.

The piece begins in a strong and solid soundworld. Here, pitch is a clear fixed point with the intention of drawing the listener’s attention to subtle timbral variations.

Pitch is certainly not the only reference point. Distortion and interference of both soundwaves and textures are also important elements of the work. These become stronger features as the material begins to destruct in a gradual shift towards instability. This move from stasis and stability, to instability and fragility is also highlighted by an evolution of instrumental techniques.

from a fixed point was commissioned by 175 East with funding from Creative New Zealand.

Commissioned:

Commissioned by 175 East with funding from Creative New Zealand

• 175 East

Difficulty:

Advanced

Funders:

• Creative New Zealand

Performance History

	13 Aug 2009	Performed by 175 East conducted by Hamish McKeich at The Basement, Auckland
		175 East    Hamish McKeich
	15 Aug 2009	Performed by 175 East conducted by Hamish McKeich at St Andrew’s on The Terrace, Wellington
		175 East    Hamish McKeich