The Machine

The Machine (2011) takes its name from the title of a traditional Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle tune and social dance from the 18th century called “The Machine Without Horses.” This title immediately sparked my imagination and curiosity. What was the story behind this fiddle tune? What machine was the composer referring to? After a bit of research I could not find any definitive answers, only guesses. Living in a world with ever advancing technology I was fascinated by the idea of being shocked by a non-horse-driven machine. I wanted to create a machine-like orchestral sound, powered by harp, piano and percussion, based on very simple musical material that spins out into an accumulation of sound and energy. The machine-like musical language in a three-part (plus coda) form is in a kind of snowballing odd meter minimalist style--repetition and variation inspired by my study of folk traditions.