Afterword

Afterword (2020)

for unaccompanied vocal quartet (Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, Tenor, Bass)

Text by David Malouf.

Duration: approx. 6 minutes 30 seconds

Afterword was commissioned by Katie Noonan in 2020 for the Australian Vocal Ensemble’s inaugural commissioning project ‘Tumbling Like Stars’ – twelve settings by Australian composers of poems by the preeminent poet David Malouf. Composing one twelfth of a song-cycle for a brand-new ensemble comprising of four outstanding singers was an honour, a delight, and a challenge. The restriction of 4-part harmony made me work hard to achieve the harmonic and textural variety I most enjoy playing with in choral compositions.

I was drawn to this simple, understated poem by its intimacy and gentleness. There’s an interior quality to the words that lends itself to close set harmonies, choral textures and swirling, conversational lines. It makes me think of the sense of exhale and calm when one returns home after a long and crowded day, and a secret smile between two kindred spirits. I endeavoured to form music around these beautiful words and let them speak through as clearly as possible.

Purchase of this score permits the owner to reproduce enough scores for performance by vocal quartet.