Birdsong (2 Trumpets, F Horn, Trombone, Didgeridoo, Percussions & Piano) (Neuheit Ensemble)

Birdsong (2 Trumpets, F Horn, Trombone, Didgeridoo, Percussions & Piano) (Neuheit Ensemble) Birdsong was inspired by a dream about a rather unusual journey through the rainforest of Australias northern Queensland. The sounds of the exotic birds there are quite overwhelming. Igor Stravinsky was central to the dream, flying high above in a majestic Technicolor animation of his Firebird; Gustav Mahler was there too, trudging along with a gigantic double bass strapped to his back. Salvador Dalí made intermittent appearances, all the while twitching his moustache and ringing his little bell. The central voice in Birdsong is the didgeridoo, the instrument of the indigenous Australians made from branches of the Jarra. For brass quintet performances, a slide-didgeridoo is recommended rather than two didgeridoos in low E and B. The tuba or bass trombonist should take the didgeridoo part, with the pianist and percussionist as invited guests. The didgeridoo requires some amplification to balance the other instruments.