Work
BEAT (DA)
for string quartet, Chinese instrumental ensemble and tape
Films, Audio & Samples
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About
This work uses recordings (possibly also images) of the percussive rhythms and vocalisations of Chinese workers (dǎ = to beat, strike, hit): women pounding rice, men hammering concrete, building-site calls and responses, and the rhythmic strumming of duvet makers teasing cotton. Performers will vocalise, use gesture and physical movement, as well as imitate percussive sounds on their instruments. The recording of the two Jongpo minority women was made by ethnomusicologist Zhang Xingrong of Kunming. The other three recordings were made by the composer in Guiyang and in Chengdu.
– Jack Body
Performance history
09 Mar 2014: Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet and the Forbidden City Chamber Orchestra at the Michael Fowler Centre, in Wellington.
15 Mar 2014: Performed by the New Zealand String Quartet and the Forbidden City Chamber Orchestra, at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, in Auckland.