TOGNETTI’S MOZART & ELECTRIC PRELUDES
Electric Preludes could be seen as an exercise in string-borne simpatico.
Written specifically for Richard Tognetti by Brett Dean, the concerto not only pairs up this country’s leading violinist and Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra with the 2009 winner of the ‘Nobel Prize for music,’ but also brings together instrumental virtuosity with electronic experimentation.
It will enjoy its Australian premiere this February, alongside a suite of best-known compositions by Mozart and Haydn. Dean – acclaimed for his opera Bliss – takes time to tell us more about the night.
How do you think Electric Preludes will sit alongside the others in the program? Like a slightly scruffy young nephew, wearing a loud shirt and wanting to cause a stir, but secretly thrilled and honoured to be invited to join his uncles.
What was the process of composing along with a sound engineer (Bob Scott) like, and how will the ‘effects’ mentioned work? It’s been an unusually collaborative process, trying out lots of possible sound worlds with Richard and Bob, a nice change from the somewhat solitary world of composing. The effects go from Richard’s e-violin through Bob’s box full of electronic tricks and then into the hall, all in real time.
What’s the appeal of the electric violin for you? It offers an inexhaustible array of new sonic possibilities, whilst acknowledging traditional roots of classical fiddling.
When did you first become aware of Tognetti’s work and how much of an influence is he on your own? I’ve known Richard [Tognetti] since we were both teenagers and he played a major role in my return to Australia and emergence as a composer, probably more than he realises.
Tognetti said the piece evokes stormy landscapes like the Outer Hebrides or Tasmania … what does it call to mind for you? To me it’s less specific and more like a strange dream, complete with surreal images, unreal predicaments and taking flight.
And what does 2013 hold for you? I’ve just finished a large new work for my old band, the Berlin Philharmonic; looking forward very much to that premiere in April.
Feb 10, Sydney Opera House, from $45, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com
Feb 12-16, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, $40-125, 8256 2222, cityrecitalhall.com
