Lagom
Not too much not too little
Commissioned in 2023 by the Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Recital Centre & Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Composition Award. This work was a collaboration between the Melbourne based Jazz trio ‘Antelodic’ and composer Declan Postlethwaite.
“Antelodic is a contemporary chamber jazz ensemble based in Melbourne, Australia. Antelodic perform elegant, finespun music, with a confidence and ease that comes from a deep understanding of, and commitment to, the music and each other.”
‘Lagom’ is a Swedish word which translates to "just the right amount" or "in moderation." It encapsulates the idea of balance, equilibrium, and finding harmony in life's aspects. I wanted to represent this harmony in my music by creating something which has equal amounts of chaos and order - excitement and tranquillity. To quote one of my favourite composers….
“Music is my friend. Understanding, empathic. Forgiving, comforter. A towel to dry tears of sadness. A source for tears of happiness. Liberation and flight. But also a painful thorn. In flesh and soul. Setting free from illusions. Teacher of humility.”
Robbie Melville classical guitar, Angela Davis alto saxophone, Gideon Brazil tenor saxophone, kalimba
If You Trusted Love This Far
This piece delves into the profound and raw emotions of love, demonstrating how it endures despite any obstacle. The composition's dynamic movement, varied emotions, and shifting expressions take the listener on a diverse emotional journey, mirroring the depth of caring for another person. Inspired by Nicholas Britell's score for the film "If Beale Street Could Talk," this work crafts a unique auditory experience filled with warm tones and rich colours. Amidst the lush harmonic textures, intricate rhythmic complexities add intrigue, drawing the listener deeper into the sound.
Special thanks to Nicholas Williams and the University of Melbourne's Wind Symphony for the opportunity to perform and bring this work to life.
Performers: University of Melbourne Wind Symphony
Nicholas Enrico Williams, conductor
“Australian Soundscapes” Performed Live in the Melbourne Recital Centre on 9 April 2022 Melbourne Australia
Music That Goes
"Music That Goes" channels the aesthetics of minimalism with precision. The use of tuned percussion, a hallmark of minimalism inspired by pioneers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass, is central to the composition. These composers were instrumental in my journey into composition. I vividly remember being mesmerized by the cyclical and hypnotic rhythmic lines in my dad's Reich album, "Music for 18 Musicians." This piece builds on the legacy of these minimalist giants, creating rhythmic cycles in innovative ways through the use of unusual time signatures and beautiful orchestration.
Special thanks to the WHAKollective for bringing this work to life.
WHACKollective
https://www.whackollective.com/about
Bridget Bourne: Glockenspiel & Xylophone, Justin Zheng: Marimba, Oscar Tudge: Marimba, Aditya Bha: Vibraphone
Azure
The composition captures the celestial beauty of azure clouds reflecting off the ocean, resonating with ethereal sounds that evoke a distant dream. Emotional tension is intricately woven throughout, enhanced by extended techniques that add depth and complexity. Inspired by impressionistic styles, the piece uses rich chord colours and non-functional harmonic moments centred around A Lydian, reminiscent of Debussy and Ravel.
Special thanks to Robert McIntyre, Louise Emery, James Farrough, and Sussanna Kable for their invaluable guidance and support.
Bewilderment
This new composition by Australian composer Declan Postlethwaite explores the idea of rediscovering nature with child-like wonder from an adult perspective. Inspired by the isolation many experienced in 2020, the piece reflects on how nature remained a constant presence, inviting people to reconnect with the outside world. It captures the universal sensations of feeling the wind on your face or raindrops on your skin, as if for the first time.
Throughout the composition, a dialogue unfolds between the voices of child-like wonder and the ever-present, timeless voice of nature. This interplay creates a rich, emotional tapestry that evokes both nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for the natural world.
Special thanks to both the Melbourne Composers league for commissioning this work as well as Hamish Gould for lending his incredible voice to this piece.
Countertenor - Hamish Gould 24/4/21 - St. James Old Cathedral Cnr King & Batman Sts West Melbourne, 3003
Gentle Arrival
A slow and gentle fanfare for the arrival of a weary soul to rest.
Special thanks to Nicholas Williams and the University of Melbourne's Brass Ensemble for the opportunity to perform and bring this work to life.
Performers: University of Melbourne Brass Ensemble (2021)
Conductor: Nicholas Williams
Sound Engineer: David Collins
Post Romantic Rhapsody
This orchestral composition serves as a counterpart to my earlier work, 'If You Trusted Love this Far,' crafted for Wind Symphony between 2021-23. Drawing from influences ranging from classical jazz crossovers to modern cinematic scoring, both pieces explore a spectrum of emotions within a minimalistic and neo-classical framework. The title was inspired by an academic discussion on contemporary romance, reflecting on themes of hope and despair in our current era.
Originally composed and commissioned for the Moorabool Light Orchestra in 2022-23, this work is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of the MLO players, community, and guest musical director and conductor Sarah Barlow.
Post Romantic Rhapsody by Declan Postlethwaite - Live performance by the Moorabool Light Orchestra, Bacchus Marsh Town Hall. Work commissioned and premiered by the MLO 2023