INSTRUMENTATION: amplified tenor saxophone (including electric object), amplified percussion (including sewing machine), amplified electric guitar (including electric object), amplified piano (including electric object)
DURATION: 17:30
YEAR OF COMPOSITION: 2012
PREMIERE: October 20th, 2012 at the Donaueschinger Musiktage, by Ensemble Nikel
COMMISSION: Donaueschinger Musiktage
ABOUT: the music focuses on the contrasts of extreme body movements – the sounds are produced either by miniature actions of fingertips and nails such as tapping and scratching or hyperactive, large, raw motions involving striking and pushing of palms, forearms and legs. Phrases of unified calm and controlled gestures are combined with restless and tense dialogues where each instrument triggers series of instant reactions within the group. As a contrast to the activities of the performers and their instruments a few mechanical objects enter the music, forcing a challenge between the organic and the mechanic. Another musical angle is thus added – sound produced by strong, visible motion and sound produced without motion, during moments of visible stillness.
Kobushi means fist in Japanese, and Burui comes from the old Japanese expression “musha burui” describing the physical state of a warrior preparing for a battle, with the body in a state of courageous shiver and excitement, preparing all senses for the chaos of action, reaction and attention.
PUBLISHER: Malin Bång