Unbreakable for Orchestra

Research output: Other contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Unbreakable is a highly virtuosic piece commissioned by BBC Radio 3 for the Ulster Orchestra. The Mozart link which was stipulated in the commission brief takes the form of a melodic fragment from the opening of the Symphony No.40 in G minor. Added to the mix is another short melodic fragment, this time taken from G-Spot Tornado by Frank Zappa, a musician who to my mind shared many of Mozart’s most enduring qualities; both were constantly pushing the envelope and were outrageously gifted, outspoken, anti-establishment and amazingly productive. The Mozart and Zappa fragments were plundered for material and their essential qualities flavour the melodies, harmonies and rhythms of Unbreakable. In terms of structure, the piece fuses elements of classical sonata form with the cut and paste sectional divisions of rock music.
Original languageEnglish
TypeOriginal Composition
PublisherContemporary Music Centre
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 9 Aug 2007

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