Amalgamation - Symphonic Poem for Orchestra and Electronics

The intent of this project was to create a symphonic poem for orchestra
and electronics. The concept was to show the use of metal in revolutionising technology. It shows that metal has been used to make objects from daggers, clocks and swords to industrialised war machines, such as, guns, planes, motor vehicles (armoured cars, Landrovers, tanks etcetera) and bombs.The main reason for me composing a work for full symphony orchestra and triggered medium electronics is because I am thoroughly fascinated with the live performance of Andrew Lewis’s Fern Hill by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Also, I like to push and challenge all of my skills as a composer and attempt styles of compositions that I have never done before. My interest in doing this kind of programmatic concept is because I am fascinated by history and developing technology. My interest in history and innovative technology helped me to structure the programmatic notes for each movement and also help portray much of the programmatic element in my composition during each stage of the process in this project. My influence during this project was mainly from the works and styles of Igor Stravinsky and György Ligeti. However, I was influenced by many other composers and works, such as, Tristan Mrail – Désintegration(1982-83) and Andrew Lewis – Fern Hill (2014).
The composition consists of three movements, which present the main
and distinctive stages of creating unique work with raw materials and
describing the innovative development of technology with metal over
significant parts of history. The movements are called Forge, Process
and Usage.

Programme Notes

First movement – Forge
Forging is one of the oldest known processes of
metalworking, moving from natural materials to a
man made element and the origins of forming metal
used in weaponry. A blacksmith performed traditional
forging with a hammer and anvil. Forging is one of the
primary techniques used to create and form a sword.
Heating the metallic material into a malleable state, it
is then beaten into shape by a hammer and anvil. It is
the typical process of forging swords, armour and
many other weapons. This creation lead to blood
shed, division and countless battles.

Second movement – Process
The development of factories, mechanical parts and
machinery, led to the invention of clocks and watches. The implication is that using metal, hitherto only used
for war weapons, was now used for the advancement
of humanity and production of goods for non-violent
purposes. The effectiveness and efficiency of industrial
production and factory processing has been increased
and developed so that human workers are no longer
needed and are replaced by continuously working
machines.

Third Movement – Usage
The peak of the industrial revolution and
technological research in the 20th century, led to
major military wars and the rise of dictators and
tyrants such as Hitler and Stalin. Two world wars
were the consequence and powerful war machines
took countless human lives to fulfil the vision of
many tyrants and dictators. However, the reign of
pure terror ended with a nuclear strike, from the
atom bomb.