The Premiere of Michael Gordon’s “Timber” in Ventspils
22.12.2021 - 12:42
On 8 and 9 January, in Ventspils, in the Concert Hall “Latvija”, the composition “Timber” by the US composer Michael Gordon is to be performed at the conclusion of the space installation “Into the Thick of It” by the artists Katrīna Neiburga and Andris Eglītis.
At the conclusion of the performance "Into the Thick of It", the Michael Gordon's "Timber" is to be premiered in Latvia through several concerts for a limited audience. His work is to be performed by the percussion ensemble "Koksnes sekstets" consisting of Guntars Freibergs, Mikus Bāliņš, Elvijs Endelis, Ernests Mediņš, Reinis Tomiņš, and Edgars Zaurs.
Around twelve years ago, the well-known US composer and co-founder of the ensemble "Bang On A Can" Michael Gordon most probably did not intend or imagine that, over time, the four consecutive compositions for chamber groups would morph into a peculiar cycle. Back then, in 2009, the percussion ensembles "Slagwerk Den Haag" and "Mantra Percussion" together with the dance company "Club Guy & Roni" commissioned him a new composition. Gordon had put a lot of effort in several large-scale scores at the time, and after the orchestral works "Decasia" and "Dystopia" he had grown tired of tonality and orchestrations. He felt the urge to create something pure, liberating, and ritual. With the intention to place one instrument in the environment of a chamber orchestra, he created the composition "Timber" - music for six wooden percussion instruments called "simantras". Gordon imagined this composition as a trip out into the desert in harsh conditions that could wipe the brain clean and bring on visions. Over the time, he created another three compositions: "Rushes" for seven bassoons (2012), "Amplified" for four electric guitars (2015), and "8" for eight cellos (2018). Each of these works is like a journey, a sonic experience of body and mind that makes one whole. A true "Gordoniade".
As previously informed, on the second day of Christmas, 26 December, the Small Hall of the Concert Hall "Latvija" will open its doors to present the installation "Into the Thick of It". Created by the tandem of artists Katrīna Neiburga and Andris Eglītis and by the creative team of the Concert Hall, it is a metaphor of crowding - something a Christmas tree goes through its entire life. From a tiny, bright-green, and promising seedling in a pot to ... dry timber that we are so proud of and that is currently worth its weight in gold. As we all know, during the holidays and the New Year just around the corner, we all are into the thick of it. Tables loaded with food, crowding in shops and events, and abundance of the festive symbols - Christmas trees that arrive from the forest to be placed in narrow spaces.
"The installation of Christmas trees "Into the Thick of It" in Ventspils is like a reunion. A reunion or crowding of all these pine family members of all generations, ages, shapes, and sizes in the city centre for a very special occasion," says Katrīna Neiburga, keeping us on the edge of the performance to be held in the Concert Hall.
Tickets to the performance of Michael Gordon's "Timber" to be held on 8 and 9 January in the Concert Hall "Latvija" are available at all sales points of "Biļešu Paradīze".
The installation "Into the Thick of It" is open to visitors nearly every day, from 26 December to 9 January, at 3:00 p.m. On specific days, the visitors will be able to see, to take in, and to experience the installation "Into the Thick of It" free of charge, subject to the established health emergency restrictions (for more information, visit the website and social media account of the Concert Hall "Latvija"). Only those vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 will be admitted, upon presenting an interoperable Covid-19 certificate and an identity document. Children aged 12 and older are required to present a certificate, which serves as a proof that the person has been vaccinated, has recovered from Covid-19 or has undergone a Covid-19 test, or a negative screening test from a laboratory for a Covid-19 test taken no later than 72 hours before the event within the educational process. Children under the age of 12 are not required to present a test.
Fragment from the composition "Timber" performed by the percussion ensemble "Slagwerk Den Haag":
Concert Hall "Latvija" online:
