Indian Pacific

1996
6 mins
2(I,II=picc).2.2.2-4.2.3.1-timp.perc(2):
I=xyl/vib/2wdbl/susp.cym;
II=glsp/tamb/hihat/2bongos/pedBD/small length of railway line-
hrp-pno-strings

Premiere: 1 April 1999
Perth Modern School Senior Orchestra
Perth Modern School
Christopher Sears, conductor

Programme Note

Composed in 1996, Indian Pacific is my first orchestral work – the title referring to the train journey across Australia of the same name. Ironically enough, I wrote the work when I was living in London and it may have been borne from a third-party perspective of life in Australia if not genuine homesickness. Indian Pacific is built around an unrelenting quaver rhythm that remains constant for most of the piece. It is scored for the usual orchestral forces but also includes piano and a large variety of percussion instruments. Amongst these is a small length of railway track that is played with metal beaters for that authentic train-spotting experience.

To borrow or purchase the score from the Australian Music Centre click here

To enquire about hiring the orchestral set click here

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