Co-VI-dx19 2020

small ensemble in self-isolation 

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Commissioned by the East London Music Group and first performed virtually by the ensemble in self-isolation in May 2020 with Music Direction by the Matthew Hardy.

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Duration

1'

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Scoring 

Flute, Bassoon | Trumpet in Bb | Violin, Viola, Cello  

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Programme Note 

This composition reimagines Covid-19 as a musical instruction.

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Co = The chord symbol for C diminished.

VI = The roman numeral indication for chord six, thus A,C,Eb if we assume that the key is C melodic minor.

d = Simply the note D.

x 19 = Play 19 times.  

 

Therefore, in the opening few seconds the violin presents the “Covid motif”. It quickly infects other instruments developing frantically through each repetition whilst a siren wails above the chaos. Following the final 19th iteration, the ensemble breaks out in a wild improvisation which continues until the fade out, representing the current unresolved nature of the crisis.   

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Availability 

This music is available to purchase for £30 excluding postage. Please get in touch. 

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Perusal Score

Please note that this music is in copyright and it is illegal to copy or perform from the perusal score.