Co-VI-dx19 2020
small ensemble in self-isolation
Commissioned by the East London Music Group and first performed virtually by the ensemble in self-isolation in May 2020 with Music Direction by the Matthew Hardy.
Duration
1'
Scoring
Flute, Bassoon | Trumpet in Bb | Violin, Viola, Cello
Programme Note
This composition reimagines Covid-19 as a musical instruction.
Co = The chord symbol for C diminished.
VI = The roman numeral indication for chord six, thus A,C,Eb if we assume that the key is C melodic minor.
d = Simply the note D.
x 19 = Play 19 times.
Therefore, in the opening few seconds the violin presents the “Covid motif”. It quickly infects other instruments developing frantically through each repetition whilst a siren wails above the chaos. Following the final 19th iteration, the ensemble breaks out in a wild improvisation which continues until the fade out, representing the current unresolved nature of the crisis.
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Perusal Score
Please note that this music is in copyright and it is illegal to copy or perform from the perusal score.