Sea of Tranquillity
for percussion quartet (2004)
duration: 13'
GRT•105
audio sample
score
available from
Australian Music Centre
program note
The Sea of
Tranquillity on the moon is not really a ‘sea’ as such but
a lower altitude plain, the result of earlier volcanic
activity. Tracts of land can be purchased on the Sea of
Tranquillity at $37.50 (US) an acre. Apparently over
400,000 people have already bought their own blocks. This
particular ‘sea’ is most famous as the landing site of the
Apollo 11 mission that first landed man on the moon. Buzz
Aldrin referred to the sight of it as “magnificent
desolation”. Of course, some people consider the whole moon
landing to have been a hoax and Aldrin was infamously taken
to court for assaulting one of them. Either way, when we
look at the moon, we often wonder that humans have stood on
it and this idea has a certain spirituality or mysticism to
it. We can see it, but not touch it. And to me, the ‘Sea of
Tranquillity’ beautifully captures this enigmatic notion.
This piece of music is written in reflection of the moon.
The main musical material (in 12/8) is influenced by slow
pulse pop-funk as found on the Miles Davis albums
Amandla
and Tutu. Contrasting sections (in 3/2 and 6/4)
gradually overhaul and replace the original material.
Additionally, the influence of the music of Carl Vine can
be traced in various ways. I have been an admirer of his
music for nearly 20 years and this piece is dedicated to
him.
review
“Stuart
Greenbaum’s world premiere of Sea of Tranquillity
used a large range of
sound–sources in a jazz–indebted work that settled down to
a recurrent tune interrupted by more aggressive
interludes.”
Clive O’Connell, The Age, October
2004