Mbira Music (1987)
tpt, tbn, perc, pno, 2 vln, vla, vcl
Duration: 20 minutes
Commissioned by Chapter, Cardiff with funds provided by the Welsh Arts Council
A ‘moto perpetuo’ for strings, wind, and percussion, based on the melodic characteristics of the Zimbabwean mbira – a small keyboard instrument played with the thumbs. The opening section is derived from the different tunings obtained from the right and left hand of the mbira; whilst the rhythms are based on African cowbell patterns.
First performed by the New Arts Consort at Theatr Hafren, Newtown on 5 November 1987
with Christopher Jones (trumpet), Ian Torr (trombone), James Clapperton (piano), Phil Girling (percussion), Alison Balfour-Jones (violin), Derek Jones (violin), John Rayson (viola), Kate Morgan (cello)
Press
“The 20-minute Mbira Music…was a rich succession of tender and fiery mood, loaded with utterances of musicianship that were at times sublime in their invention and delivery. One of the several things I found especially delightful in it was the amplified counterpoint of pizzicatio violins and viola, done in the spirit of the African keyboard instrument the mbira.”
John Greally, Western Mail, 27 February 1991
Performances
| 05.11.87 | NEWTOWN | Theatr Hafren |
| 07.11.87 | CARDIFF | Chapter Theatre |
| 11.11.87 | BRISTOL | Arnolfini |
| 07.11.88 | CARDIFF | Four Bars Inn |
| 16.01.89 | CARDIFF | Welsh College of Music & Drama |
| 20.01.89 | ALSAGER | Crewe & AlsagerCollege |
| 04.03.89 | CARDIFF | St David’s Hall |
| 20.08.89 | BRECON | Jazz Festival |
| 26.02.91 | CARDIFF | University Concert Hall |
| 02.03.91 | BRADFORD | University |
| 17.04.91 | RISCA | College |
| 31.05.97 | CARDIFF | The Point, Cardiff Bay |
| 02.06.97 | LONDON | RFH Purcell Room |
| 19.06.97 | MANCHESTER | Royal Northern College of Music |
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Charlie Barber 