La magia / The magic (2005)

for harp and percussion

composed in Camargo residence for artists Cassis, France

In this duo for harp and percussion the instruments’ realm is extended to the world of objects. Metrical metronomes, dropping stones, paper sounds aim at creating  an aural situation where theatre is acted by sound.  

Magic in the context of this work could be understood like alchemy. The two sorcerers work in counterpoint in their music spells. Sound is not transmuted into gold but into lights, gestures, and theatrical elements. It is not clear what is to be seen, to be heard or to be imagined in this piece. The timpani suggest the big pan from the magicians; it is used mainly like a resonator capturing distant sound reverberations.

This piece is part of the opera “The Daughter of the Sorceress...” but can be also played alone.

Arnold Marinissen (perc)- Miriam Overlach (harp)

Klankkleurfestival, Uilenburger Synagoge - Amsterdam

June 2007