Product Description
Words and music by Australian composer Kirsten Duncan. Contemporary choral SATB, a cappella. A4, 12 pages (including covers). Published by Shrub Creative. Item number 2023-03. ISMN 9790900969927.
A rhythmic, chant-based song calling for action on climate change. Scored for mixed unaccompanied voices.
Weather Makers is unabashedly an activist work calling for climate action. The refrain quotes the titles of two of Tim Flannerys books, We are the weather makers written in 2005 and the 10-year followup Atmosphere of hope. I felt it was important in this narrative to acknowledge the substantial contribution of fossil fuels to modern civilisation, and then move past it because we now have the technology to replace all of those products.
The lyrics also give a nod to action network GetUp!, and to science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinsons book set in 2312 that refers to our period of history, appropriately if depressingly, as the dithering.
Musically, the rhythmic chant takes inspiration from Karl Jenkins Healing light and Frode Fjelheims Eatnemen vuelie (popularised as the opening music for Disneys 2013 film Frozen). The piece should be sung with warrior-like intensity and a strong, driving beat, softening a little for the final section that modulates into a more optimistic major key to call for action to protect our planet.
I offer to waive the purchase price for choirs performing this piece to raise funds for climate action. Get in touch via shrubcreative.com.au.
Kirsten Duncan has had a lifelong passion for choral singing. Now based in Canberra, Australia, she has performed with Gaudeamus (Judith Clingan), Hamburg International School (ISH) Singers, the choirs of Christ Church St Laurence Sydney (Dr Neil McEwan), The Resonants (Helen Swan) and others. Kirsten started composing choral music in 2015, contributing to the musical community that has been a stabilising thread throughout her life. She especially thanks Helen Swan and The Resonants for giving voice to this composition.
Visit shrubcreative.com.au to notify about performances of this music, and find more choral works and information.
Copyright © 2023 KIRSTEN DUNCAN. All rights reserved.
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