Inspired by bio-luminescent plankton that glow in the dark, flashing arpeggio figures, the hum of rapid harmonics and a variety of extended techniques evoke this most magical of phenomena to scintillating effect. Sea of Stars was originally written as a duo for lever harp & pedal harp in January 2020 and premiered by Lauren Scott and Eleanor Turner in an online performance in October 2020. Sea of Stars was arranged by the composer for harp quartet in 2024.
Performance notes:
There are various extended techniques throughout this piece. Xylophonics, xylophonic-harmonics & tremolo glissando. These are all demonstrated in a video by the composer which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/playseaofstars
The taps should be with the flat of the fingers (like slapping a bongo) and not using knuckles. Vary where you tap on the soundboard to create interesting drum sounds.
The harmonic sections are backing figures to the main melody in the other parts and shouldn’t overshadow the main melody. They are sparkles of bio-luminescent light.
This piece is very rhythmical and needs to be played strictly in time so that it grooves
Performance notes:
There are various extended techniques throughout this piece. Xylophonics, xylophonic-harmonics & tremolo glissando. These are all demonstrated in a video by the composer which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/playseaofstars
The taps should be with the flat of the fingers (like slapping a bongo) and not using knuckles. Vary where you tap on the soundboard to create interesting drum sounds.
The harmonic sections are backing figures to the main melody in the other parts and shouldn’t overshadow the main melody. They are sparkles of bio-luminescent light.
This piece is very rhythmical and needs to be played strictly in time so that it grooves
