Salamander by Jocelyn Morlock Performed by the Tempest Flute Ensemble at the Orpheum Annex, Vancouver, BC on May 23, 2013 CREDITS: Véronique Lacroix - conductor (courtesy of ECM+) http://www.ecm.qc.ca/ Jocelyn Morlock - composer http://jocelynmorlock.com Tempest Flute Ensemble Mark McGregor - piccolo Brenda Fedoruk - piccolo Laura Vanek - flute Paul Hung - flute Paolo Bortolussi - flute, alto flute Heather Beaty - flute, alto flute Samantha Fu - flute, bass flute Laura Barron - flute, bass flute Audio Recording: Will Howie Production Manager: Nicholas Jacques Video Recording: Chris Porter PROGRAMME NOTE: Salamander The salamander has long been associated with elemental fire. Among the more bizarre yet visually appropriate Medieval portrayals of salamanders are "a satyr-like creature in a circular wooden tub," "a winged dog," and "a small bird in flames." In writing Salamander, it was my intent to make an aural depiction of the wild activity and fanciful moods of this mythical amphibian, and of the element Fire itself as embodied in a living organism. Flute octet is the ideal ensemble to give voice to this manic, mythical creature - the variety of sounds and moods it can create is startlingly diverse. Salamander is a piece full of crazy energy, with occasional moments of respite and humour. The frenzied chatterings and flutterings of the piccolos and flutes, and the percussive, throbbing, and even sighing and groaning sounds possible in the alto and bass flutes are perfect for this exploration of colour, heat, and vitality. JM

• published: 03 Dec 2013
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