Ann Carr-boyd
Stairway to the Moon - harpsichord/fortepiano
Stairway to the Moon - harpsichord/fortepiano
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Harpsichord and fortepiano, c.5'00. Advanced grade
As the Full Moon rises over Roebuck Bay in Broome at certain times the exposed tidal flats are transformed into a staircase of light rising slowly to meet the orb hanging huge and shimmering gold. This phenomenon is a rare spectacle that brings many tourists to various vantage points including Town Beach and the Mangrove Hotel to wait for the Moon to rise. As the excitement and anticipation mounts spectators at the Hotel are entertained by a honky tonk piano belting out a jazz theme which contains an undercurrent of bass repetitive notes. However this percussive refrain also evokes the didgeridoo and the clap stick- a homage to the those who first witnessed this strange and captivating event in the Dreamtime. The old meets the new. This is a special and ancient place on the west Pilbara and Kimberley coast of Western Australia. The mangroves and mudflats of Roebuck is in Yawuru country. The Staircase forms part of the Lurujarri Trail.
As the Moon rises and exposes the stairs the piano chords become silvery and step up in rises with tonalities we have grown to look forward to from this composer. The Moon interlude then becomes a captivating mixture of the modern spectators excitement and wonder as the staircase builds and of the old Moon man of the Dreamtime as danced by the Bardi people who understand the strong tides and their precious saltwater environment.
Composed 2018
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ISMN9790720214467