Go down! you blood red roses
for percussion and electronic sound (2010)
This piece was inspired by a folk song of the same name, as well as my recent relocation to Rhode Island, the Ocean State. The original song was a "halyard shanty" which is a working song used when hoisting the heavy topsails of an old tall ship. I am fascinated by both the coordination and fleet-footedness needed to control large sail ships as well as the combined feelings of excitement, fear, and peace experienced when being on the water, pushed along only by the wind and currents. This piece presents and explores a character, played by the performer, who both creates and controls the sea he or she travels by. It is of course a fantasy.
Video excerpt of performance by Fred Kennedy Oct 26, 2010 at Grant Recital Hall, Brown University, Providence RI |
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Full performance can be viewed HERE.
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