More

by
Colin Bright

The Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior  (1994) - (75mins.) - Libretto by poet Amanda Stewart - a non-chronological/linear opera exploring the politics surrounding the event. Performed on the large and spectacular set of Sydney Harbour with the Cityscape as backdrop. The work and the production (Sydney Festival 1997), have been described as a landmark in Australian opera & music-theatre.

CD version to be released early 2000
*****
Earth Spirit  - 1989 - (23 mins.) - the first composition for the Western symphony orchestra featuring didjeridoos (with Kevin Duncan & myself on didjeridoos). It explores sounds both in-common and not, with the orchestra eventually becoming a giant didjeridoo. ABC-FM's Charles Southwood described this work as the most successful collaboration yet between Western instruments and didjeridoo. There is a socio-political statement implicit in the performance of this piece, there being one black & one white didjeridoo player, as well as the presence of the didjeridoo in the context of the concert hall.
Recorded live by ABC-FM
*****
Red Earth  (1985) - (9 mins.) - 6 players - Australian psyche.
Should be available 1999 on a Tall Poppies CD
*****
Young Tree Green (A Song of the Republic) - solo Doublebass & Orchestra 26’00
‘ ... after the writings of another Australian creative visionary who,equally, sought national unity and wholeness: Henry Lawson. The piece is a concerto in all but title and has been created in close collaboration with Kees (Boersma). Its techniques are inevitably reminiscent of aspects of Aboriginal music; its colours could easily conjure up images of the vastness of our continent. As we approach the end of the century, though, and as the debate about Australia’s political and cultural independence gains momentum, Colin Bright’s new work might well trigger quite different reflections in the mind of the receptive concert-goer.’

Anthony Fogg March 1993.

Recorded live by ABC-FM

*****

Black Years - Red Years  (1998) - (12mins.) - is about oppression in various forms - polital, sexual, social, economic and cultural. Although I think Australians make pretty wimpy fascists, (so it's not all gloom and doom), oppression nevertheless occurs here, the most extreme form being an ongoing genocidal attiude towards aboriginal Australians. This the second piece in a series of URBAN PSYCHOSCAPES. The primary sound source is poet Jas Duke reading his own work. As I have said, I think he is one of Australia’s most important poets, having wit, incite, humour, social conscience and, most importantly, a passion for the SOUND of words. Other samples are from the Song Company and one of those famous European string quartets.

Black

Years

- Red

Years

  The Wild Boys  
- available from me - email order $12 each

ORDER FORM


 
Colin Bright

View this site in FRAMES - recommended!