contents
1. listen
2. summary
3. programme notes
4. details
5. performances
listen
listening link to be posted after the premiere
summary
charms, symmetries (2024) by Rozalie Hirs is a new music composition for saxophones (soprano saxophone, 2 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, in various combinations), trombone, vibraphone, piano and electric (bass) guitar. The piece was commissioned by Ensemble Klang. In Memoriam Louis Andriessen (1939-2021).
Ensemble Klang consists of Saskia Lankhoorn (piano), Pete Harden (guitars, artistic direction), Anton van Houten (trombone, business direction), Erik-Jan de With (saxophones), Michiel van Dijk (saxophones), Joey Marijs (percussion).
From early 2023 to late 2024, Rozalie Hirs is Associate Maker with the leading Ensemble Klang in The Hague. In 2023, Klang performed her cycle dreams of airs (2017-18) at The festivals Muze van Zuid, Amsterdam & Dag in de Branding, The Hague. The new work charms, symmetries (2024) is scheduled for concerts in 2024.
programme notes
charms, symmetries for unconducted ensemble (two saxophonists, trombonist, percussionist, pianist and electric (bass) guitarist) (2024) by Rozalie Hirs was composed by Hirs while she was an Associate-Maker with Ensemble Klang. The work was commissioned by the ensemble.
The composition draws on the vibrant musicality and excellent, exemplary interaction within the ensemble. Another inspiration is the driving force of the Hague School as taught at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, where Rozalie studied in the 1990s with Diderik Wagenaar (1991-94) and Louis Andriessen (1994-98), in addition to frequent lessons with Clarence Barlow during her final year (1997-98).
Typical of her aesthetic is the combination of influences from so-called ‘high’ and ‘low’ art, i.e. the avantgarde and Western art music on the one hand, and popular music, jazz, etc. on the other. Hirs expands her harmonic language with new intervals, as known from psychoacoustic research and electronic music. charms, symmetries (2024) can therefore also be understood as spectral music.
In charms, symmetries, dreamy, lyrical melodies alternate with largely homorhythmic en bloc passages, in which high energy prevails. The melodies and harmonies are calculated and composed by Hirs in order to arrive at new harmonic relationships. The materials are thus characterised and articulated by a rich inner life or inner ornamentation. The overall shape of charms, symmetries is determined by harmonic modulation based on these calculations. The piece is dedicated to the memory of Louis Andriessen (1939-2021), In Memoriam.
details
commission
charms, symmetries (2024) was composed by Rozalie Hirs as Associate Maker 2023-2024 with Ensemble Klang, commissioned by the ensemble.
instrumentation
2 saxophonists (player 1: alto, tenor; player 2: soprano, alto, baritone)
1 trombone
1 percussionist (vibraphone)
1 piano
1 electric (bass) guitar
technical requirements
The composition can be performed amplified, if a good sound amplification system is available on location. This has the composer’s preference.
It is of course also possible to perform the work acoustically.
duration
The total length of the composition is approximately 17 minutes.
music publisher
The score of charms, symmetries (2024) by Rozalie Hirs can be obtained through its publisher Deuss Music.
further details
In Memoriam Louis Andriessen (1939-2021).
performances
16 October 2024, Amare (Nieuwe Kerk), The Hague, Ensemble Klang
15 October 2024, De Link, Tilburg, Ensemble Klang – world premiere