Devil’s Elbow
for thirteen musicians

Description

Devil’s Elbow (2019) – for flute (=alto/d.rec.), clarinet in Bb (=bass clarinet in Bb), soprano trombone, 1P, piano (=sampler/slide whistle), harp, electric guitar, live electronics, 2 violins, viola, cello & double bass
Commissioned by Uproar Ensemble
Completed 30 November 2019 (Llandyssil)
Mixed by Thomas Rydeard
First performance 28 February 2020 by Uproar Ensemble, Chapel Arts Centre (Cardiff)
Dedicated to Bruce
Duration ca. 12′

Percussion List

Splash Cymbal
Crash Cymbal
Ride Cymbal
Whistle
Tambourine
Castanets
Wood Block
Gong
Floor Tom
Pedal Bass Drum

Programme Note

Devil’s Elbow explores themes of love and violence; creation and destruction; unification and separation; and temptation. It uses language as the basis for generating both the pitch and rhythmical content, and aims to communicate an overriding impression of being torn as a consequence of the incompatibility of two paths. It is not kind – nor is it ambiguous – but, it is somewhat farcical and sometimes even playful.

– Bethan Morgan-Williams