Slipstream (2020)

Version 1: flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, viola, cello, and piano

Version 2 (2023): flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, and piano

Duration: 17’

Commissioned by and first performed by Australia Ensemble

Version 2 first performed by Syzygy Ensemble

Program Note

The word ‘slipstream’ refers to the current of air behind a rapidly moving vehicle. In motorsports, this reduced air pressure and forward suction allows vehicles to follow closely behind another, with the least resistance, before overtaking. With this in mind, Slipstream embraces different types of musical motion or momentum through the contrast between swung and straight rhythms and faster and slower tempos. Cast in five short movements, each streams on from the next, perhaps in an attempt to overtake the previous movement.

The theme of this concert ‘A Song Before the Storm’ has also served as inspiration for Slipstream. Rather than interpreting this in a linear way, I decided to weave song-like melodies before, during, between, and after the movements, creating an outer frame for the work. This is first heard as an imagined sea shanty in the opening of the piece, before slipping into a jaunty swing feel. Never fear! – There are plenty of stormy and tempestuous moments throughout!  

Performances

30 November 2023, Syzygy Ensemble, Primrose Potter Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre, VIC, 6pm - Premiere of Quintet Version

11 June 2023, Equinox Chamber Music Festival, Musikhuset København, Copenhagen, Denmark, 7:30pm - European Premiere

24 September 2022, Australia Ensemble, Sir John Clancy Auditorium, NSW, AUS, 8pm - World Premiere