For a chamber orchestra & santoor
Slightly
Off
This composition blends two distinct inspirations. The first takes cues from Gérard Grisey's "Partiels," derived from Spectral analysis of E1 on trombone. In "Slightly Off," a similar technique embraces the E Koron note on Santoor from Iranian traditional music (Koron: lowering natural note by 65 cents).
A second inspiration lies in Iranian traditional music's inherent timing ethos, which I term ‘a personal sense of timing.’ Musicians transcend set tempos to the state of fluidity, shaping the pace of sound movements through internal emotions and nuanced perceptions.
"Slightly Off" introduces the Santoor timbre to the orchestra, discovering fresh possibilities with other instruments. Through a selective emphasis on specific partials within the harmonic series, the piece delves into sonic exploration, which is primarily achieved through a focus on dynamic fluctuations. This dynamic approach intertwines resonances, seeking a suspended moment with an evolving orchestral palette.
Luminous Overtones
1st Sep, 7 pm
Sydney Con
Step into the interior of sound in this radiant program of new music. The concert features a rare performance of the extraordinary Partiels by the father of French Spectral music, Gérard Grisey alongside a tribute to Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho in one of her final works, Semafor. Complementing these luminaries are the sounds of two emerging composers from the Sydney Conservatorium: the unique ‘Persian Spectralism’ of Shervin Mirzeinali that integrates an Iranian santoor and colourful dastgah intonation, as well as a beautiful sonic incantation on the words of Etel Adnan by soprano and Composing Women candidate Jane Sheldon. Led by conductor Fabian Russell, this finely textured exploration of sound is performed by the Con’s dedicated New Music Ensemble
written and programed by Damien Ricketson
Program
Gerard Grisey: Partiels
Kaija Saariaho: Semafor [AP]
Jane Sheldon: Colloque
Shervin Mirzeinali: Slightly Off [WP]
Featuring
Fabian Russell: conductor
Armin Riazifar: santoor
The SCM New Music Ensemble