Music
Weaving time and distance
For string quartet
Weaving time and distance was commissioned by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO). The premiere was delayed because of Covid-19 restrictions and was given by the Viereinigkeit Quartet on 10 July 2022 at Whitakers Musical Museum on Waiheke Island.
About the work
Although the opening of Weaving time and distance takes a few ideas from Beethoven’s first quartet, written when he was 28, I’ve used those ideas purely as a jumping off point for my piece, which structurally probably has more in common with the formal integration of later Beethoven quartets.
The title reflects the distance in time and place from Beethoven’s world and ours; the opening, which recurs, reflects the call of the bellbird outside my studio.
It is dedicated to John Ure — horn player and long-time Director of Operations for the orchestra — in memory of his passion and enthusiasm for the APO and new New Zealand music.
Scores
Buy or borrow the score from SOUNZ.
Weaving time and distance — SOUNZ
Interview
SOUNZ interviewed me about this work before the premiere.
Gillian Whitehead on ‘Time steps out of line’ and ‘Weaving time and distance’ — publication