descent (2005)_
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... is an exploration of the tendency to 'fall-away' or to 'go under'. It is not about a plunge into decadence or despair, or a journey into the abyss, but a focus on the process of descending. Notwithstanding the utopian principle that what comes up must also find its way down; for the composer the more exciting question is "How?".
Fluid but improvisatory, Descent uses both the micro- and macro-tonal soundworlds, and a simple virtuosity that increases throughout the work.
One very strange feature that crept into this work is the phasing in and out of rhythms, juxtaposed against each other. "Due to constant restoration on my house," Salecich explains, "constant hammering and banging of mechanical and non-mechanical tools from 6:30am until 6:00pm (or sometimes until 8:00pm) had a profound effect on my thoughts and on the compositional process. Somehow, my 'beloved' workmen and their loud offset-percussion have underhandedly 'taken over' and given my composition a helping hand."
"Workmen disturbing my work routine, sleeping patterns and privacy, however, is much more troubling—best discussed in the next composition!"
November 2006:
performance >>This performance of Descent was by Ensemble Linea of Strasbourg, France. Director Jean-Phillipe Wurtz was indeed in commendable form, and Salecich was fortunate enough to travel to Strasbourg to work with the ensemble en-site. Their sound had a pronounced "French" sensibility, displaying quality of musicianship and an innate yearning to know and learn more.
- first performed by
- Timothy Phillips Cond.
- sarah beggs AFl | Richard Haynes Cl/BCl | Zoe Black Vln | Josephine Vains Vc | Nick Synot Cb | Rohan Murray Pf
- Melbourne International Arts Festival
- 14 October 2005
recording courtesy of ABC Classic FM AUSTRALIA