Programme Note

Terra Firma is a latin phrase literally meaning ‘firm land’. But it carries a more specific meaning: the land in which one is grateful for reaching after departing it. In a poetic sense, ‘terra firma’ can mean homecoming, landing, or a trusted support in any form. I believe that this idea came from my experience of moving to Greece on my own, where for a large part, a sense of support from outside and inside myself was pulled from under my feet. In a literal sense, I was away from my homeland, my familiar territory. In a more intangible sense, my grounds of support through people and relationships were no longer beneath me. There are times in life where one realises the importance of friendships, belonging, and community, and equally the stable sense of self, to keep you upright through the changes of life. It is significant also that Taonga Pūoro for me represents New Zealand, my homeland, even while I often feel like the flute, running a bit too fast! But regardless of where one finds themselves in the world, Terra Firma is really about friendship and support, and about finding the land, the terra firma to stand on, whether that is a trusted friend or family member, a community, or the support within yourself, even if everything above it is in turbulence, ambiguity, drama, or excitement.  

​

The bass flute and taonga pūoro have different roles in the piece, but, like a person and a kite they also have an important relationship which is translated through the use of harmony and contrast of movement between the two parts. Throughout the piece there is a theme of a constant pitch underneath a much more kinetic and lively counterpart. The taonga pūoro engages the role of stability, land, and grounded support. In contrast, the bass flute explores harmonic, rhythmic, and textural variations. Although there is a contrast, the two are linked and share a common ground. The bass flute, being more kinetic, creates sense of repeated departure and landing, but maintains an important dependence on the stability of the taonga pūoro throughout the piece. The taonga puoro also explores variations of textural and rhythmic changes, but still provides a sense of ‘home’ for the flute.  

​

For commission enquires contact Briar at briarprastiti@gmail.com