“… it worked magic: never have I seen and heard such a kaleidoscopic panoply of bizarre and exotic musical instruments used in a way that cancels out completely the idea of novelty. This was so true that I found myself looking at the ‘regular’ instruments – accordion, flute, cello and so on – and wondering what the fundamental difference was between these and the home-made gadgets and gizmos surrounding them. In Aeolian, there really is no difference between them, all united in the most beautiful, exquisitely-designed and executed ballet of action and sound, like a tender exquisite lullaby, perfect before heading off to bed.” Extract from review in 5against4

A collaboration between composer, Maja S.K. Ratkje, artist Kathy Hinde, and musician Andreas Borregaard commissioned by Red Note Ensemble.

Aeolian – relating to or arising from the action of the wind
Aeolian draws its inspiration and title from the “breath” of the accordion. Ratkje and Hinde have collaborated closely on creating a hybrid piece where newly invented aeolian instruments are fully integrated within an acoustic ensemble. Accordion soloist Andreas Borregaard, is at the centre of the work both physically and musically.

The air-activated instruments are mechanically activated by the musicians during the piece, blending the sounds of the installation with the musicians’ conventional instruments in a composed, breathing entirety.

World Premiere: 17th November Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 2017 (UK). Commissioned by: Red Note Ensemble (UK).  Video of performance at Ultima Oslo below, followed by photos from the premiere.

The first stages of the Aeolian collaborative process took place at the wonderful Scottish Sculpture Workshop in Lumsden during August 2016 and continued at BEEF, the Brunswick Club Bristol in April 2017…