Like many global observers, I was consumed by, and almost addicted to, the 2020 Election in the United States of America. It was during the election process, and the manoeuvres leading to polling day that I became particularly aware of the use of autocratic rhetoric, mistruths, and falsehoods used in the campaign. The purposeful and political use of lies and misinformation is not only found in America. They permeate our democratic societies around the world.
Equals explores despotism by reflecting on a 1946 Encyclopaedia Britannica classroom film.
Instrumentation
Violin
Violoncello
Piano
Fixed Media – video with audio
Performance/technical notes
This piece is to be performed with the video “Equals.mov”.
The video should be projected onto a large presenter screen (akin to a classroom projector). If no projector and screen is available, the video can be played on a large monitor or similar. The screen/monitor should be set up in front of the piano, but behind the violin and cello. The monitor should not obscure the view of the pianist to the audience or the line of sight for the trio.
Audio embedded in the video should be played through two PA speakers placed in front of the ensemble.
This piece is to be performed to a click track provided by the composer. There are two ’empty’ click track bars before bar 1
QLab or similar software should be used to ensure the video, audio, and click track are synchronous.