A spirit leaves the earth; we remain.
Performed by Te Kōkī Trio
Te Koki Trio: Martin Riseley, Inbal Megiddo & Jian Liu Photo: Supplied
Michael Williams tells us that the composition of this piece was interrupted and rather overtaken by the death of his younger brother. Throughout the writing, he had a clear image in mind – a photograph taken when his uncle’s ashes were being spread. It was not a particularly windy day, but when the urn was opened, the ashes seemed to leap out and were blown out to sea in an enormous hurry.
Williams writes: “The photograph captures this visceral moment perfectly. The ashes resemble a bird in flight or perhaps a leaping deer. I imagined my brother’s spirit finding such freedom.
“In this piece,” he says, “I have tried to capture the idea of a spirit leaving the earth to become part of the great All, while for those of us remaining, the world still turns and the sun still rises.”
Recorded by RNZ Concert in Auckland Concert Chamber, 15 August 2020
Producer: Tim Dodd; Sound Engineer: Rangi Powick
