Book of Departures
for fl, cl, perc, pno, vln, vc
(2007)
duration: 10’
GRT • 129
audio sample
score
available from
Australian Music
Centre
program note
When Marshall
McGuire contacted me about writing a piece for Sydney’s
Sonic Art Ensemble, he noted that it would be the group’s
final commission and the idea of a sort of ‘farewell
symphony’ took hold. While mapping out the structure of the
piece, I started thinking in terms of chapters (there are
three of them, along with three bridges and an interlude –
all in one movement). I also wanted to write music that
would make an appropriate gesture towards an ensemble of
musicians who have given so much to Australian contemporary
classical music. So finally, the idea of a ‘book of
departures’ distilled in my thinking. ‘Departure’ is an
interesting word. It can denote sadness and nostalgia – but
it can equally refer to the outset of exciting new journeys
and in my mind this piece attempts to address both
meanings.