TENOR 2019 – SEAN X.

QUINN

TENOR CONFERENCE
work: unity – for percussion duet
graphic score

BIOGRAPHY:

Sean Quinn, recent graduate of St Kevin’s College, currently enrolled at Monash University to study a
B.Mus (Comp), is an aspiring composer in the arts of contemporary practice. Acquainted with a vast
array of styles, Sean endeavours to explore the boundaries of improvised and notated music; using
graphic scores as a means in doing so. His work in the notated field is heavily influenced by natural
elements, following lines of Olivier Messiaen, Igor Stravinsky and Ross Edwards. Further to this, Sean’s
early works include orchestral, solo and chamber works; including his prolific but short work Angler
for 13 Strings and 6 Percussionists.

“In participating in the TENOR conference, I hope to explore my graphic works in a controlled and organic
environment, and having the chance to network with other like-minded performers and composers. It
would be invaluable to my development as a contemporary artist and composer, and would give me
opportunities to immerse myself in the world of contemporary practise.” SEAN X. QUINN

PROGRAMME NOTES:

unity – for percussion duet

Through an array of randomised symbols, the pairing of two interactive percussionists with a setup of
various tuned and untuned instruments. Utilising a large ‘gong chamber’ as the feature that surround
the two players allows for an intimacy and homogeny in the performance as the duo explore the various
sounds. Through the five pages; ten passages emerge to form a sequence of developments. Dispersal
and unification are explore in the work as theatrical elements are employed; although not written, they
can be discussed by performers in order to create the desired effects.

Labels throughout the score identify the various gongs and cymbals used, but instrumentation should
be a means of development, and collaboration between the players to create an interpretive work
around the given space. Alluring to the need of unification in the population, unity embodies the world
within a chamber of percussive voices, calling for their audience to consider and reflect upon
acceptance.