The Tower - quintet (2021-22)
Instrumentation: flute, bass clarinet, violin, cello and piano.
Duration: 13 minutes.
Commissioned by: The Syzygy Ensemble with funds generously donated by Rosalind Page.
Premiere: The Syzygy Ensemble at Revive, 24.03.22. Melbourne Recital Centre, VIC, Australia.
Score and parts: contact me.
PROGRAM NOTE:
The Tower was originally commissioned for the Syzygy Ensemble to perform at a concert with the theme of 'place'. While COVID-19 affected the intended concert setting, I found the notion of responding to place to be an interesting creative problem. While music 'can only be about itself', I like the titles of my pieces to be 'symbolic' or even 'archetypal'. I try to avoid explicit or literal titles in the hope that the music will suggest several 'resonances' to the listener.
I moved to Sydney about 15 years ago and have since lived in the same flat in the Inner West. I do love it here, it's such a vibrant and diverse community. It seemed fitting to write a piece celebrating Sydney's Inner West.
The Petersham Reservoir, commissioned in 1888, is an iconic landmark here and I thought it to be an apt symbol for the Inner West. This heritage-listed reservoir actually consists of two nested towers. In 1966 'Petersham Reservoir (Elevated)' was built over what is now called the 'Petersham Reservoir (Covered)'.
When visiting the Reservoir to do some recon, I remembered that I had wanted to do a piece inspired by the tarot. The lightbulb moment was when it occurred to me that The Tower could allude to the landmark, the Inner West, and the archetype of The Tower tarot card.
The Tower tarot card traditionally depicts a tower with no obvious entrance. The top of the tower has been struck by lightning and flames obtrude from the elevated windows. The peak of the tower, represented as a crown, has become dislodged. People plunge toward the earth.
This card represents chaos, pandemonium and massive upheaval. However, it also suggests strength in the face of adversity; the destruction of old structures and the emergence of new. It represents rebirth and new beginnings. It reminds us that in the face of oppression, anger is needed to cause change.
The Tower is written in memoriam of composer Louis Andriessen. Andriessen passed in 2021 and he leaves us with a great musical legacy including teaching several Australian composers.
Finally, I must give shoutouts to two fellow composers: Nicole Murphy and Rosalind Page. Nicole made time to give invaluable feedback when I was completing The Tower. Rosalind made the commission of the work possible by most generously donating funds to the Syzygy Ensemble.
Artwork by Ella Topolnicki.