White Red Black

For Orchestra, Piano & Voice

Overview

Instrumentation: Orchestra | Piccolo, Flute (1, 2), Oboe (1, 2), Clarinet in Bb (1, 2), Bassoon (1, 2), Horn in F (1,2,3,4), Trumpet in C (1, 2, 3), Trombone (1, 2, 3), Tuba, Mark Tree, Crotales, Vibraphone, Violin (1, 2), Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano, Voice

Premiered: by Orchestra Wellington with Marc Taddei (cond) on 7 of October, 2023 at the Michael Fowler Center, Wellington, New Zealand

Performers: Orchestra Wellington, Marc Taddei (conductor), John Psathas (piano), Briar Prastiti (vocals)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Duration: 9:00

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Hire: Materials for this work can be hired from the composer. For enquiries go to Music Hires

Programme Note

White, red and black are three of the most significant colours in folklore, depicted across many cultures. Broadly speaking, white signifies birth, red signifies life and fertility, while black signifies death.

The song White Red Black, now arranged for Orchestra, was originally written by Briar (also known as Twinn Ethyr) almost ten years ago at the age of twenty-two. One of many ethereal guitar and vocal songs, it has remained one of her most deeply felt pieces due to its timeless quality and personal meaning. In her piece, the three colours tell a triangular story of love and heartbreak, casting real personalities into the wider sphere of archetypes.

To extend the micro to the macro is the definition of folklore. Briar’s connection to folklore remains strong, using her music as a powerful way to access subconscious symbols and transmute difficult life experiences into golden treasures.

For commission enquires contact Briar at briarprastiti@gmail.com

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