Work
Moto Mojo
for solo pedal harp with delay pedal
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About
Click here to buy the PDF score on Bandcamp.
'Moto’ is the common musical term for movement and ‘Mojo’, while originally a magical charm bag used in hoodoo, is generally the term by which people measure their levels of confidence, self-esteem and sex appeal. Mike Myers popularised the word in his Austin Powers films. Like the protagonist of these risqué spy escapades, I lost my Mojo in the final few months of 2011. Musically it had been one of my most successful years ever but fate, risky decisions and extreme personal circumstances all conspired to derail things. By the time I reached Wellington for a much-needed family Christmas, I was a shadow of my former insouciant self and burdened with disquiet. Yet, over five uncharacteristically sunny days I began to emerge from the gloom and the first sketches for Helen Webby’s project came out. From the start it felt like a something that somehow floated above the malaise; I was going for poise and purpose. The piece darkens in the middle before soaring back up and leveling out to a delicate reflection. On a technical note, using a delay effect for recording and performing the piece is integral to the ‘Moto’ of the ‘Mojo’.
Commissioned note
Performance history
09 Oct 2012: Performed by Helen Webby at St Paul's Cathedral, in Dunedin.
23 Jan 2013: Performed by Helen Webby at Otago Settler's Museum, in Dunedin.
11 Sep 2013: Helen Webby, Harp - Lunchtime Recital Series, Waikato University
13 Sep 2013: Pluck: works for harp with Helen Webby
14 Sep 2013: 'Pluck' - New Music for Harp, with Helen Webby
04 Oct 2013: 'Pluck' - Harp and Voice Concert and Workshop