Monday 30 September 2013

View from my studio

1st Blog post: (29th September 2013) Greetings from an autumnal seaside town- Visby International Composers Residency. After a few intense but rewarding days in Marseille with the Latvian Radio Choir and Saraband Ensemble and the loud banging building works above my flat, this retreat/residency was much welcome.  It is the first time I do a residency. Fears of demons appearing, etc.  Self- expectations are high as this is the place to really focus and introspect like you have never done before. What does one do in an artists residency? People go to residencies for different reasons. To focus, to breathe, and some don't even do any work, they just go around visiting places 'for inspiration'. 

 I am working on a set of piano miniatures. I thought to structure it musically on the El-Wasla Suite, (explain) usually performed at the beginning of the 19th century and typically lasts 45 minutes. After listening to an interesting piece by George Crumb's 'Voice of a Whale' piece for flute, cello and piano, I wanted to base my miniatures on a true ancient source of history. I thought that basing the miniatures on this suite wasn't enough 'food' for creative stimulus.  I had been reading about Arab superstition (which led to calling my ensemble its name- Ensemble Zar) which led me to have a chat with my good trusted source, an archeomusicologist friend of mine, Dr Richard Dumbrill who is the expert on ancient Near Eastern cultures and musics. Ideas aplenty with this residency. And time to reflect deeply upon them .

The sun sets. Each day a different colour. I ate a delicious entrecĂ´te with wine thanks to my Swiss composer flat mate here.  

 View from my room