“The Ossenbrunner Twins” is a celebration of the fact that Australia is now home to two of the world’s finest viola da gambas. The concert’s title, “The Ossenbrunner Twins”, pays homage to Reinhard Ossenbrunner, the leading German viola da gamba maker who lives and works in Cologne. The Ossenbrunner instruments in question are owned by Marais Project Director, Jennifer Eriksson, and highly regarded gambist and cellist, Daniel Yeadon who will feature on the day accompanied by lutenist, Tommie Andersson.
As well an presenting some of the traditional repertoire for two viola da gambas on October 23, Eriksson and Yeadon will also premiere a new work for two viola da gambas by 2011 HSC composition student, Alice Chance. Alice attends MLC Burwood, Sydney. She studies composition at the School with Dr Paul Stanhope and viola da gamba privately with Jennifer Eriksson. In the short article below Alice describes the thinking behind her piece “O Pastor Animarum”.
Alice and Jennifer
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“When I came to write my new work for viola da gamba, “O Pastor Animarum”, my goal was to compose a piece that was specifically designed for the Viola Da Gamba and its special characteristics.
If we think of the Gamba as having an important function to go to, (and let’s face it, she is making a major career comeback at the moment) but her unique measurements prevent her from fitting into any of the stunning, “off the shelf” dresses in Myer or David Jones. Naturally, this can be very tough on a Gamba’s self-esteem, especially when cellos and basses waltz out of Westfield with their fabulously fitted frocks! It seems the Gamba’s uniqueness can only really shine in a tailor-made dress, so I took it upon myself to take her every ‘measurement’ and design something that would celebrate her uniqueness, and her history, in a most complimentary way!
On a more serious note, I was first inspired by a plainchant (O Pastor Animarum) by German nun, Hildegard Von Bingen, who lived in the 12th Century. The plainchant was composed so tenderly and with such passion that when I first heard it, I felt like Hildegard was sitting right next to me, singing it in my ear. Thus, my piece gained its initial working title: “The Hildegards are alive”. Sadly, whilst this title got many laughs, I figured laughter was not the ideal audience reaction, so I changed to the original, more sacred and reflective title, which translates to, ‘O Shepherd of Souls’.
There are a few qualities of the Gamba I have aimed to nurture in this piece. One of them is the fact that, in my view, it is an inherently modal instrument. I find that the instrument relaxes and sings when I improvise around the ancient church modes such as the Dorian (the white keys on the piano from D to D) and Mixolydian (the white keys on the piano from G to G). It is as if the viol feels comfortable and snug when wrapped in reminders of its ancient origins.
Another issue I wanted to address is the need for the Gamba to be supported or underpinned harmonically to make best use of its unique sound characteristics. The instrument has a wonderful resonance but modern audiences, brought up on the Bach solo cello suites, have little or no aural reference point for listening to the viol family. I believe the tone of the Gamba can only really sparkle when accompanied, as the sound can be quite fragile and dry when it is on stage alone. Thus, composing a duet seemed like the ideal way to give the melody, the instruments and the players, harmonic support in performance.
Finally, I would emphasise that although I have drawn upon a 12th century plainchant, O Pastor Animarum is a product of the 21st century, as I have aimed to create a fresh, contemporary piece which, of course, references the instrument’s ancient lineage.
So now, when the Gamba attends her function, her dress will hopefully turn some heads. She deserves it.”
Alice Chance, September 2011
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Event name: “The Ossenbrunner Twins”
When & where: 3.00pm Sunday October 23, 2011, Recital Hall East, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Cost: $30/20 Family ticket $80 (2 adults + 2 children)
Tickets: Ph 9809 5185; at the door or on line purchase www.maraisproject.com.au
Media contact: Philip Pogson 0412 459 156
