Work
Pike River
for solo viola and strings with optional percussion
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About
On 19 November 2010 a large explosion occurred in the Pike River mine on the west coast of New Zealand's South island. Although hopes that there were survivors lasted until a second major explosion a week later, it was subsequently believed that no-one could have survived the first explosion.
This piece is in the nature of a lament. A sparse introductory section leads into the soloist presenting the main melodic material. This is often accompanied by an insistent rhythmic accompaniment, suggesting the regular rhythms of machinery and the repetitive nature of the work involved in mining.
This version was made in 2015, the original having been written for solo violin accompanied by strings.