For sheng [Chinese mouth organ] / speaking voice + stereo recording commissioned by Yorkshire Arts for the Huddersfield Electric Spring Festival, 11′
Sonic Highway Exits Neglect Grammar This piece’s cryptic title’s first letters spell sheng, the focal point of the piece. The instrument was purchased in Beijing during the composer’s first trip to China and is one of his favourite timbral instruments. The only plundering in the work is a single traditional Chinese melody in the middle of the piece plus a sheng sample that plays a major role in the rather unexpected conclusion at the end. As in many other of his works, the speaking voice as musical material appears live and online offering an aesthetic contrast. The texts have been written by the composer for the piece, and the music reflects what will become the old/new series commencing years later where the traditional is combined with the novel demonstrating the sheng’s sonic potential. It is fascinating to discover how notes can turn into sound and colour. This work also appeared in Idée Fixe’s first work, A Day in the Life.
Acknowledgements: Tim Warner: recordings and the sample-based hip hop sequence, Geraldine Conner: the other voice on the recording.
