Programme Note

The word Kýklos (Κύκλος - pronounced 'Keeklos') is a Greek word meaning 'cycle' or 'circle'.
As a composer I seldom conceptualize deeply while I write, rather the concept of a piece presents itself after the fact. When I create in this way, the meaning of a piece often reflects a current phase in my life and contains an important message. When observing my piece as a whole, I realised that the image was that of a pushing and pulling of energy, a cycle of states between a kinetic awakeness and a slower state of rest and rejuvenation.

It is a fact that all life goes through continual cycles of energy. And while productivity
in a busy world is often emphasized, it is equally important to allow for rest. Facing one of the busiest years of my life, I was propelled by enthusiasm to do as much work as possible, and one day I was asked the question, "what do you do as a composer, when you face creative burnout?" To which I replied, "there's no reason to be afraid of such a thing. When the soul needs to rest, you let it rest". Little did I know, later in the year I would be following my own advice...

The vibraphone has for a long time been one of my favourite instruments for its glistening timbre and versatility. It can be either be played quickly and with flighty agility, or in contrast, slow and meditatively with long resonating notes. The motor is another unique aspect of the vibraphone that I am drawn to, and in the context of Kýklos, can represent the literal brainwaves that we experience during regenerative sleep. The piece moves from energetic sections with fast passages, to slow and tranquil sections by contrast.
And so, the final message is that there is indeed an inevitable angst to our existence of limited time and energy. But nature is powerful, and it pulls us into its own rhythms. The message of Kýklos, is to remember this cycle, and to accept and honour it with gratitude.
 

This piece was written with the support of the Douglas Lilburn Trust, Te Koki New Zealand School of Music 2023, and Creative New Zealand 2024.

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For commission enquires contact Briar at briarprastiti@gmail.com