.sample by Charlotte Harding

.sample explores how players recording in isolation presents a great opportunity to create instrumental ‘samples’ - the players are all performing in relatively dry acoustic environments and there’s no spill between parts. I sent the musicians specific elements to record, turned these into samples, added a kick drum and experimented with audio effects to create the final piece. The process also reflects how during lockdown we’ve all found different ways to be together whilst apart, and the huge role that technology has played in this.

lament by edward nesbit

Lament is a short piece which largely but not entirely fulfils the expressive expectations invoked by its title. The piece has an unmistakably medieval feel to it, in its modal trumpet solo, in its parallel-motion harmony, and in the accompanimental flute line, which doubles the trumpet like an organ stop. This melancholy soundworld is not the whole story, however: lively interjections from bassoon and pizzicato violin break the mood, suggesting a playfulness and a joy which coexist uneasily with sadness of the lament.

kilbarchan by ruta vitkauskaite

Kibarchan is named after a small Scottish town in my neighbourhood - a beautiful place, historically famous for weaving. This composition was written in current lockdown. And while social interactions were completely forbidden, my one highlight of the week was taking a short hike in the empty fields and roads in the areas around Kilbarchan. I was walking, and thinking about the short piece for performers in isolation for the East London Music group. And I really wanted to share that space that was surrounding me on that walk, bring some of that sunlight and positivity into our small, isolated rooms where we all spent most of the time in the past months. Another strong moment in the piece comes from my room, my space of isolation, quiet and still, accompanied by one constant sound of a ticking clock. The ticking of the clock gave a constant beat to my piece.

co-vi-dx19 - by leo geyer

Cº = The chord symbol for C diminished VI = The roman numeral indication for chord six, thus A,C,E if we assume that the key is C minor. d = Simply the note D. x19 = Play 19 times. Therefore, in the opening few seconds the violin presents the “Covid motif”. It quickly infects other instruments developing frantically through each repetition whilst a siren wails above the chaos. Following the final 19th iteration, the ensemble breaks out in a wild improvisation which continues until the fade out, representing the current unresolved nature of the crisis.