remains of once poetry - for cello, accordion, tape and live electronics (2023)

“remains of once poetry” - for cello, accordion, tape and live electronics (2023) In the realm of contemporary music composition, the impact of cultural assimilation and technological advancement cannot be underestimated. What fragments remain of traditional cultures, particularly exemplified by Persian culture, amidst the pervasive tide of globalisation and modernisation? The process of integrating modern tools and technologies has generated a profound transformation within the cultural fabric, leading to an interplay between traditional heritages and the mainstream contemporary cultural influences. In this work I seek to articulate the subtle and nuanced repercussions of this cultural dialectic, with specific focus on the marginalization and ultimate diminution of traditional musical idioms. The crux of this composition lies in the portrayal of a sonic realm wherein mechanistic clamors eclipse the auditory canvas. Amidst this audial tapestry, emerges the delicate strains of the Persian Maqam “Nava,“ as resonated through the timbres of the cello. Within the score, meticulous notations and directives are employed to guide the performer towards an interpretative fidelity that aligns with the composer’s intent. This interplay between composer and performer echoes the broader theme of dominance, underscoring the dynamics of authority and submission inherent within artistic interpretation. Central to this composition is a juncture where creative liberty finds its voice. Amidst the structured rigor, a singular page gives the cellist the liberty to improvise upon the foundational Nava, a quintessential element of Persian musical tradition. This instance encapsulates the tension between artistic emancipation and disciplined adherence, thereby expressing the broader narrative of cultural fluidity within the confines of structural rigidity. Official premiere by CEAM Artists at CEAM Hall at Moscow Conservatory, 14/09/2023 in the final concert of “Students of the XIII International Young Composers Academy in Tchaikovsky city”. Yulia Migunova - cello Venedikt Peunov - accordion #contemporarymusic #newmusic #experimentalmusic