Composer

:

Michel van der Aa

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

18:16

"Here" is a contemporary classical composition by Dutch composer Michel van der Aa. It was composed in 2012 and premiered on September 20, 2012, at the Holland Festival in Amsterdam. The piece is a multimedia work that combines live music, video, and electronics. The composition consists of three movements, each exploring different aspects of the concept of "here." The first movement, titled "Here I," features a solo cello accompanied by electronic sounds and video projections. The cello plays a series of fragmented melodies that are gradually woven together into a cohesive whole. The video projections depict abstract images of landscapes and cityscapes, creating a sense of placelessness. The second movement, "Here II," is a duet for soprano and bass clarinet. The soprano sings a text that explores the idea of being present in the moment, while the bass clarinet provides a counterpoint with its own melodic lines. The electronic soundscape creates a sense of space and atmosphere, with echoes and reverberations that suggest a vast, empty landscape. The final movement, "Here III," is a trio for cello, percussion, and electronics. The cello and percussion play off each other, creating a rhythmic interplay that builds in intensity. The electronic soundscape adds layers of texture and complexity, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The video projections depict abstract images of light and shadow, suggesting a sense of movement and transformation. Overall, "Here" is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the concept of "here" in all its many facets. Through its combination of live music, video, and electronics, it creates a rich and immersive experience that invites the listener to contemplate the nature of presence and place.

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