Sylvan (2021)
(Three movements for bass recorder and percussion)

Sylvan is a direct response to the album’s title Bass Instincts. Although a clever pun devised by Alicia, I also wanted the work to connect with the literal meaning of ‘base instincts’ too.  A quick word search throws up definitions ranging from ‘subconscious urges’ to ‘inborn impulses’ and ‘primeval behaviours’. This spurred me into imagining and exploring a soundworld where the bass recorder acts as a sort of seductress, weaving her sonic charms throughout. It struck me as an interesting proposition as the recorder is (sorry, Alicia!) so often (wrongly) viewed as merely an educational instrument. The bass recorder as sultry temptress seemed like a fitting way to challenge this.

The result is three movements for bass recorder and percussion. The first sees the recorder paired with hand drums as a type of call to awakening, ending with a breathless conclusion. During the second, the recorder takes on a smokier role with plenty of blues inflections, and is supported by marimba riffs and resonances. Finally, the third movement has a sprightlier feel, with the recorder featured in a higher tessitura, interweaving and dancing with the marimba throughout. 

Holly Harrison