DEMO
FULL SCORE (C)
DEMO
PROGRAM NOTE:
Earth
Ellen Lindquist
commissioned by SiTron as part of "Fem Elementer" for 7 or more musicians (any kind of pitched instrument, including pitched percussion)
This piece is a meditation on the element Earth, which for me possesses a single, cohesive, grounded energy. However, this deep stillness is built upon an intertwined network of complex connections, cycles, co-existing systems and living structures: it therefore feels to me that the Earth element has at its core a kind of stillness which is always in motion. The Earth element connects to Ether/Spirit, and contains Air, Water and Fire. All five elements are interconnected and essential to our physical and spiritual growth.
Earth was commissioned by SiTron as part of the project "Five Elements", with support from Arts Council Norway. It was premiered in Trondheim at Olavshallen, Lille sal on February 1, 2023.
NOTES TO PLAYERS:
Divide players into three groups
Group 1: high-register instruments (minimum 3)
Group 2: middle-register instruments
Group 3: low-register instruments
Designate one player as Leader who will give cues as indicated in the score. (See CUE markings on pages 1 and 3.)
It is also possible that 1-2 instruments (piano or percussion, for example) follow the score more freely, joining different groups as needed.
Instruments:
Players may freely switch instruments during the piece. For example, a flutist may begin the piece with alto flute in order to play the opening G, while the rest of the piece is played with a C flute.
Notation:
The indication "each player, ad libitum" indicates that each player begins playing the relevant material whenever they choose, and takes as much time as desired. In measures marked "Gather here before continuing", individual players “congregate” before moving forward, as cued by the Leader.
The single horizontal lines between measures (first seen in system 1) separate ideas visually and indicate that each player takes as much time as they choose based on responding to the ensemble’s overall texture at that moment. When small ties are present at the beginning and ending of such a horizontal line, the pitch is sustained until a new direction is given.
Dynamics:
General dynamics are notated in the score, but there is always some flexibility for small variations.
THE MUSIC
The music in all sections:
All music is notated at concert pitch in the C score. Scores in B b, F and G are included for transposing instruments (more transpositions may be requested).
The music in Sections A and E:
This music, while quite still, seeks to blend the various timbres of the instruments into a complex, living sound. Subtle changes in individual timbre are encouraged, both in long sustained tones, and in notated dynamic swells.
The music in Section B-D:
See score for specific directions.
This music in this section is inspired by the simultaneous complexity/unity of the earth element. The idea is that when the notated patters are played by many instruments, each at their own tempo, patterns will overlap with themselves and with pattern(s) before and after, creating many layers of organized, living, organic movement.
Phrasing:
In section B I have indicated a bit of phrasing, which will have different implications for different instruments. Freely change the phrasing to accommodate your instrument.
2 players begin together. Others join ad libitum.
Grounding Take time
woodwinds, brass, singers: breathe ad lib. (fine to take longer breaths, allow re-entrances to become part of the music) ca. 30-40 sec.
each player continues, ad libitum
Gradual variations in timbre of sustained pitches are desirable.
Each player chooses when the swell begins. Emerge out of texture. One swell/player, ca. 8 sec/swell. Giving space, taking space.
CUE: Group 3 moves to
CUE: independent swells begin
As after 1: Each player chooses when the swell begins, how long it lasts and what shape it has.Giving space, taking space.
each player continues, ad libitum
one swell (ca. 8 sec.) per player, at different times
each player continues, ad libitum
each player continues, ad libitum
one swell (ca. 8 sec.) per player, at different times max. one swell (ca. 8 sec.) per player, at different times
Gather here before continuing. Still. min. 5 sec.
CUE: Group 2 gesture
min. 8 sec.
each play once mf, independently, then overlapping/echoing each other ad libitum
each player continues, ad libitum
Ellen Lindquist (2022)