Futile Spells
for choir__12'__2016
1st Prize at Prix Collégien de musique contemporaine 2017
PROGRAM NOTES
In recent works, I imagine strange millennium-old vocal styles/techniques from fictional cultures. This piece focuses on magical, supernatural or ritualistic spells that might have belonged to ancient populations. But if these civilizations could not save themselves from extinction, can one place trust in their belief systems? Should one dismiss these spells as merely futile, or does cynicism prevent one from recognizing the magical?
PERFORMANCES
November 23, 2016 TORONTO (Canada) Music of the Rainbow Nation - Soundstreams WORLD PREMIERE
Nathaniel Dett Chorale, conducted by David Fallis
INTERVIEW
Centre de musique canadienne - Interview about à propos de Futile Spells, finalist for the Prix Collégien de musique contemporaine 2017
CREDITS
Commissioned by Soundstreams, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts
