Reflections

Abstract

Reflections explores the sonic properties of a range of recorders against electronic fixed media (processed and unprocessed sounds, or soundscape). This program investigates and demonstrates the variety of sound possibilities the instruments can produce through traditional and contemporary performance practice. Featuring mostly female Australian composers, each piece presents a particular reflection of the instrument’s past through integration with fixed media. Reflections has two meanings in this program: the improvisation and interaction between the live performer and the pre-recorded material, and the concepts of the pieces themselves. In the first instance, reflections refers to the improvisatory mimicking of pre-recorded material by the live performer; expanding and weaving musical and gestural motifs to contrast and assimilate live and recorded performance. With an early music heritage and a rebirth within the contemporary environment, the second references the recorder and its music, how these eras can be reflected by crossing sound, playing techniques and representation.

Program: Loops (1983) - Ros Bandt, Permafrost (2019) world premiere - Donna Hewitt, Sweet Flute (2007) - Thomas Reiner/Katrina Dowling, Kage (2000) - Roderik de Man