The second release in my three part series exploring the concept of Environmental Music and its potential as a music of movement in modern times.
Liner Notes
Conceptually derived from the work of Japanese minimalist composer Satoshi Ashikawa, I have attempted to compose an album which engages, enriches and reflects one?s surroundings ? an environmental music. In the liner notes of his 1982 album Still Way, Ashikawa explains the concept of his work, and discusses how he sought to write music, which acted as an
?object or sound scenery to be listened to casualty? it should drift like smoke and become part of the environment surrounding the listener's activity. In other words, it is music which creates an intimate relationship with people in everyday life.?
The above would go on to act as the conceptual framework for my first album Laistigh den Ghleo, guiding me as to how best engage with the chosen environment and compose for one?s experience of it. However, during the writing process I decided to focus my attention on the movement of the listener and how they experience ever-changing urban environments. To represent these changes, the album does give into certain dramatic qualities, which leads away from Ashikawa?s desire for a music that does not excite the listener. However, I hope this is simply viewed as a possible development for environmental music in modern times.
My second album, Gluaiseacht, represents my continued creative journey through the conceptual framework of Satoshi Ashikawa's Environmental Music. As previously stated, with my first album I focused on the ever-changing surroundings of the listener and my latest release is no different. It is a music of experience, designed as an agency for understanding and contemplating the multitude of pulses that make up the life that flows around and within us.
