BY ALEX POZNIAK AS TOLD TO STEPHANIE ESLAKE
This month, we introduce you to the three Australian composers developing new works with Ensemble Offspring as part of Spectral Tech. The works will be premiered at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music this 29 September. Here, we learn about Alex Pozniak and his work En Masse.
My piece En Masse is my response to a commission for a bigger piece of up to 30 minutes for Ensemble Offspring. The title refers to the idea of the ensemble working together in a unified mass, and the musical ideas explore notions of mass or heaviness. It is structured in three movements that follow each other continuously, following a general ‘fast-slow-fast’ pattern (the first was written in 2016, and the latter two in 2018).
The piano takes something of a central role throughout the piece through a focus on its rhythmic and resonant potential, which is expanded by the other instruments – for example, through its synchronisation with drums or with the other instruments generating overtones around it, as per the piece’s opening gesture.
It’s music that indulges in synchronised, mechanical rhythmic ideas; albeit within a continuous, flowing musical narrative, translating influences from the technologised soundworld from rock/metal music into an instrumental art music context.
In other words, it’s me trying to write an epic piece for Ensemble Offspring that rocks out a bit!
It’s a great thing to be working with such talented musicians who are so dedicated to newly composed instrumental music. Their championing of new works is vital to the growth of diverse and experimental contemporary music, and I feel honoured to be part of this mission of theirs.
I’ve written for all of the ensemble’s performers in different contexts, so it feels great to have written a large piece for the whole crew as part of building my musical relationship with them. I have felt free to experiment and try some new (for me) things out, which is possible given their fearless approach to new music. I’m very much looking forward to hearing them interpret the piece as a whole!
See Ensemble Offspring present Spectral Tech featuring premieres of works by Tristan Coelho, Holly Harrison, and Alex Pozniak at 7pm September 29, Sydney Consevatorium of Music. Check back in again for more interviews with these composers!
READ NEXT: Tristan Coelho introduces his work for Spectral Tech!
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