Solace
Piano trio n.1
Premiered by: Trio Ismena
22nd July 2020 ;
Søbygaardkoncerterne, Denmark
Broadcast: DR P2 Koncerten - Trio Ismena På Ærø
CSO Chamber Ensemble, Australian premiere - image source: The Canberra Times.
Program Note:
Solace considers the accelerated regenerative processes that follows extreme levels of fire and natural disaster. The material functions in orbits, presenting the multi-dimensional processes of regeneration that is one of both life and death, beginning and end. The first section details flames growing from ember to fire and the second, a slow process of ashfall.
The natural world was previously seen as a place of sanctitude and peace. Today, we experience a very different reality regarding our relationship with nature, often viewing the pre and early industrial eras with a sense of nostalgia. There is a growing and expanding sense of apathy blooming globally as many environments are exploited, or forgotten, and eventually lost.
The ongoing and regenerative processes nature become a paramount point of focus during the wildfires in Australia in 2019-2020. As flame decays, a new cycle begins. The way in which we perceive multiple life cycles of environments in the same physical space is informed by the perspective we carry of the environment we find ourselves in. Solace asks the listener to meet the environment in a state of distress and destruction and asks the deeper question; do we perceive ourselves as guardians or owners of the natural world?
“The poets leave hell and again behold the stars.”