Anna Thorvaldsdottir (born 1977) - In the Light of Air

Details

Description

Recorded Live on 6th February 2020 at Hallé St Peter's, Manchester, UK.

A short mindful meditation by Amaradaya, ordained member of the Tritatna Buddhist Order introduces 'In the Light of Air'. The performance begins at 11 mins and 15 seconds.

PSAPPHA ENSEMBLE
Benjamin Powell - Piano
Lauren Scott - Harp
Tim Williams - Percussion
Kim Becker - Viola
Jennifer Langridge - Cello

The film of this performance was made possible through the support of the Granada Foundation.

Learn more at http://www.psappha.com
Learn more about Anna: https://www.annathorvalds.com
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i. Luminance
ii. Serenity
iii. Existence
iv. Remembrance

In the Light of Air is a tetralogy of works that together form a unified structure, written for viola, cello, harp, piano, percussion and electronics. The four main movements are titled Luminance, Serenity, Existence and Remembrance, and are connected by Transitions to form a seamless flow throughout the work. The work has a Prologue and an Epilogue.

The work streams from one movement to the next through a flowing texture of sound materials and harmonies. The musical material is constructed with a focus on subtle nuances and poetic textures that form lyrical gestures throughout the work. Melodies are generated just as much by sounds, gestures and nuances as by pitched lyrical material.

Parts of Remembrance insisted on echoing the melody of a song that my husband – Hrafn – wrote and dedicated to me in 2000. I am deeply thankful for this presence in the work.

In the light of Air was written for the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) in 2013/14 as part of their ICElab. The work was premiered at the Reykjavik Arts Festival on 25 May 2014.

© Anna Thorvaldsdottir