Kitab al-musiqi (1989)
picc, ob, cl, bsn, 2 hn, 2 tpt, tbn, tba, pno, 2 perc, 2 vln, 2 vla, 2 vcl, db
Duration: 25 minutes
Commissioned by St David’s Hall, Cardiff with funds provided by the Welsh Arts Council
The title, meaning ‘the Book of Music’, is taken from a musical treatise written by Al-Farabi in the 10th century. Six different rhythms listed in Al-Farabi’s book form the basis for the rhythms in the work, whilst the melodic material reworks certain north-west African vocal and instrumental techniques.
First performed by the New Arts Consort at St David’s Hall, Cardiff on 4 March 1989
with Barry Kelvin-Hall (piccolo), Michelle Bosley (oboe), Julian Holmes (clarinet), Liz Nicholsonson (bassoon), Gareth Williams (horn), David Williams (horn), Gareth Rees (trumpet), Ted John (trumpet), Ian Torr (trombone), Louise Hanslow (tuba), Gareth Davies (piano), Philip Girling (percussion), Kevin Earley (percussion), Luke Roskans (violin), Mary Shannon (violin), Sian Jenkins (viola), Sharon McKinley (cello), Kate Morgan (cello), Geraint Williams (double bass)
Press
“Barber can write at considerable length without monotony. A new St David’s Hall commission Kitab al-Musiqi deployed a small orchestra of 20 for as many minutes in a subtle and exciting rhythmic study based on material from a treatise by the 1oth century Turkestani theorist, Al-Farabi…The music is translucent, yet intricate, and is beautifully “heard” – one can approach it as sheer sound, but stay with it as method and substance….The colours of Barber’s music stay in the ear long after the sounds have died away..”
Stephen Walsh, The Independent, 6 March 1989
Performances
| 04.03.89 | CARDIFF | St David’s Hall |
| 17.09.91 | CARDIFF | Chapter Theatre |
| 31.05.97 | CARDIFF | The Point |
| 02.06.97 | LONDON | Royal Festival Hall, Purcell Room |
| 19.06.97 | MANCHESTER | Royal Northern College of Music |
Works index
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Charlie Barber 