MUSE
In aid of Griffith Enactus Too High Snitch 2nd Year Pop Ensemble
Steve Wonder Jordan Rakei
Bringing to life the Pop sound across generations, the 2nd Year Pop Ensemble will be performing ‘Too High’ by Stevie Wonder from (1973), and ‘Snitch’ by Jordan Rakei (2016). ‘Too High’, one of Wonder’s lesser-known songs, discusses the negative impacts of drugs and has a feel that reflects what one may feel on a high. ‘Snitch’ is a song about people that talk behind your back and features a rap full of attitude from Melbourne rapper, Remi. The pieces showcase what is famously known as a ‘drunk beat’, that the audience will find themselves bopping their heads along to.
Vignettes for Trumpet and Percussion – No.1 Running with Lionel Bracussive
James Stephenson
James Stephenson originally wrote his set of Vignettes in 2005 for the International Trumpet Guild Conference. The composer states that there is no particular performance order and that the works can be arranged depending on the performers’ tastes. The first vignette, ‘Running With Lionel’, is a playful duet between the trumpet and vibraphone that contains unique harmonic structures in a driving rhythmic groove.
The Rain Will Come Vocal Quartet
Emma Percival
I have finally reached this piece after a long and arduous process of backward and forward with choral music, and I am proud to have finally come to a position where I have written music appropriate to the lyrical content of the piece. I had a very distinct emotion in mind that I wanted to convey when I began writing this piece; the feeling of reading a book under a blanket on a cosy day, just as it starts to rain and you know that you never want to rain to go away or life will move on from the perfect moment you have found yourself in. There are other sentiments that can be expressed in this piece from the lyrics, but that was purposeful, as I wanted the audience to be able to gain their own meaning from hearing this piece, rather than only hearing my personal interpretation. Other interpretations could include a community in a draught waiting and holding hope that the rain will return. I have a feeling each listener will interpret it differently, and that is how I want it to be. I tried to create a harmonic soundscape that felt constant and present but not entirely of one mood. There is a bittersweetness to the lyric and the emotion that I wanted to convey, and I
wanted to also see how much of that effect I could achieve by only altering the initial harmonic progression instead of creating a new one, as a sort of challenge. -
Sonatine for Flute & Bassoon Charlie Priest & Hayden Mears
Emma Percival
Pierre Gabaye
Gabaye's compositional style has been described as following the French neo-classical tradition, such as the music of Poulenc. This sonatine exemplifies this style he is so well known for.
I Surrender All Diamond Concerto - Euphonium Concerto No.3 – 3rd mvt: Blue Heart Cameron James – Euphonium Mitchell Leigh – piano
David Chaulk Philip Sparke
Composed by David Chaulk and words by Judson Van de Venter, I Surrender All has come to be one of the most popular hymns used within The Salvation Army church within the last decade. Arranged by Andrew Mackereth in 2006 for the Amsterdam Staff Band of The Salvation Army, it gained much popularity by being featured on cornet soloist David Daws’ solo album A Light in Heaven’s Window. The Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Mörschied from Germany (Dr. Eric Grandjean, conductor) for a concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist. Steven Mead’s virtuosic tone was at the forefront throughout the composition process, in which Sparke made free use of the variety of styles which Mead has made his own during his highly successful solo career. Written in three movements, the concerto reflects the village of Mörschied, which is famous for its thriving gem industry. The third movement is entitled Blue Heart, which was written, at Steven Mead’s suggestion, in a bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasiimprovisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and piano.
Silver Pur dicesti, o Bocca Bella Chelsea Welldon & Oliver Smith
C. Armstrong Gibbs Antonio Lot
Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bocca Bella - Antonio Lotti wrote about thirty operas, thus resulting in his status as one of the most popular opera composers of his day. While this aria has found a place in the standard vocal repertoire, the opera which it comes from is unknown. It first surfaced in a manuscript entitled, “32 Arias by Sigr. Anto. Lotti.” Pur dicesti expresses the beauty of a single kiss and explores how one small action can create pure bliss.
Silver - Armstrong Gibbs Silver is a piece of music composed by Armstrong Gibbs, however the words have been written by Walter de la Mare’s book of nursery rhymes for young children. The story itself paints the picture of a still, gloomy, lifeless night with hints of small movement from surrounding nightlife.
String Quintett No.2 – Scherzo & Trio String Quintet
Antonin Dvorak
Antonin Dvorak’s String Quintet No. 2 in G Minor was first composed in 1875, before it was slightly revised in 1888 as Op. 77. Scored for two violins, viola cello and double bass, the quintet saw its first performance in Prague on March 18, 1876. The piece consists of four movements: I Allegro con fuoco, II Scherzo Allegro Vivace, III Poco Andante and IV Finale Allegro Assai. Today’s performance will be of the lively and spirited Scherzo Allegro Vivace.
Ockham’s Razor Mouldy Reeds
Paul Stanhope
Ockham’s Razor, by Paul Stanhope, was written for Continuum Sax who gave the premiere at the 2002 Pan-Pacific Clarinet and Saxophone Convention in Brisbane, 5 July 2002 and is dedicated to James Nightingale. "Ockham's Razor" refers to the principle of ontological economy attributed to the 14th century philosopher William of Ockham. This principle is usually formulated as "Entities are not to be multiplied beyond necessity." Colloquially, Ockham's Razor is known as the dictum that "the most simple and obvious explanation is often the most likely one". The principle of economy has a parallel in Stanhope’s own aesthetic view, namely in that a directness of approach can often provide the most satisfactory solution in working out a compositional problem. In the case of this quartet, one main motif becomes the material for the entire piece, and therefore economy and invention become indispensable principles. Ockham's Razor also suggests a certain directness of language in conveying these means. The somewhat academic title is quite tongue-in-cheek given the exuberant nature of the work with its edgy, popinfluenced rhythms and flamboyant musical gestures.
Do Re Mi Brown Eyed Lover 3rd Year Pop Ensemble
Ruby Jo Allen Stone
“Do Re Mi”, an original song by Ruby Jo, evokes feelings of deep inner reflection on how the individual is perceived by others, and relates to the fear of others’ perception. Ruby’s thoughtful and thought-provoking vocal performance, in addition to the instrumentalist’s driven and dynamic arrangement, creates a memorable and relatable piece of music. “Brown Eyed Lover” by Allen Stone is a favourite for the third year ensemble to play. This soul/RnB tune is guaranteed to get the audience grooving along with the band!!