Output details

'Bereft Adrift' for Kingma-system bass flute and electronics

This work was commissioned by the flautist Carla Rees as the first piece written for the new full-quartertone Kingma-system bass flute. The work explores the possibilities for microtonal writing afforded by this revolutionary new instrument, which not only includes a reliably tuned quartertone scale across the full range of the instrument, but also previously unavailable multiphonics.

These new freedoms allowed me to create a piece wherein the lyrical line elaborates a post-spectral harmonic system which is used in the electronic sounds. In particular I used the work to research my concept of an “ultra-minor” chord (with a quartertone flattened minor third) and its relation to the 11th harmonic (which is itself exactly a quartertone “off” from equal temperament).

Throughout composition I collaborated extensively with Rees, testing the practicality of musical ideas to see how they fitted with the new key system and researching new multiphonics appropriate to the harmony of the piece. Since the instrument was at a prototype stage when first acquired, our research led to it being sent back to the maker for the addition of extra design features that would prove to be useful for performance not only of this work but in other repertoire.

The outcome demonstrates the considerable expressive potential of this instrument as well as this approach to harmony. I am particularly pleased to have been able to assist in the design of this new flute.

This piece has been publicly performed several times, both in the UK and USA, at both concerts and several conferences and festivals. It is also available not only as a published score but as a recording. The reach of these has already been considerable with orders for scores and the recording coming from across Europe and the States.