Work
Geis
for mixed chamber ensemble
Borrow/Hire:
To borrow items or hire parts please email SOUNZ directly at [email protected].
About
In Irish mythology there is the frequent occurrence of the geis, which is a ritual injunction to avoid certain actions in some circumstances and to perform others if necessary. One of the most famous incidences of the geis was in the defeat of the great mystical warrior C Chulainn. In his final battle, the conspiracy of several geasa diminished his powers and ensured that he was mortally wounded. In his death agony he bound himself to a pillar and defied his enemies to the end, thus dying with his honour unimpaired. Geis depicts the unpredictable and volatile nature of C Chulainn, with the material constantly switching direction and undergoing change. The harmonic interval of the seventh and second feature strongly and the rhythmic interest is always agitated, often frenetic.
Performance history
16 May 2001: Performed by 175 East; Waikato University, Hamilton
20 May 2001: Performed by 175 East
17 Jun 2001: Performed by 175 East