Phasmid Funk (2023)

for horn and bassoon

Duration: 10’

Commissioned by Geoff Stearn and first performed by Rachel Shaw and Matthew Kneale (Arcadia Winds)

Phasmid Funk

1.       Phasmid Funk

2.       Snail Tale

3.       Spiral Blues

4.       Club Crawler

When I began writing this piece, it occurred to me that the bassoon and horn could not look more different.  The bassoon, with its long slender body, is rather stick insect-like, and the horn, with its round coils, is somewhat snail-like. Yet, despite there being very little repertoire written for this duo, they are a wonderful sonic match. With this in mind, the work conjures up imaginary interactions between two fascinating creatures, phasmids and snails, and seeks to find common ground. Both critters are capable of impressive camouflage, phasmids with their leafy exoskeletons and snails with their shells, yet this piece places them firmly in the spotlight with a strong funk and blues flavour!   

Performances

24 November 2023, David Li Sound Gallery, Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, VIC - World Premiere