Whirligig

Whirligig is a work written by New Zealand based composer David Hamilton. The work is a study in repetitive melodic fragments which canon-like presentation of melodic ideas. Highly rhythmic and at times polyphonic, this work is sure to bring to mind a spinning top or revolving Whirligig.

Written for the arrangement of Treble - Tenor - Bass - Great Bass.

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The Recorder Magazine Autumn 2022

Sheet Music Reviews

David Hamilton - Whirligig. Tr/T/B/Gb

Orpheus Music OMP315

Hamilton is one of New Zealand's most widely performed composers and was winner of the Orpheus Music Composition Competition in 2020. This is not an easy piece to play and is a'study in repetitive melodic fragments and canon-like presentation of musical ideas.' Starting slowly with some tricky looking triplet rhythms, the music builds to a quick section. The piece develops with staccato quaver phrases in the lower three parts and the treble starting to 'interject', often off beat with the tune. All players must be alert to subtle rhythmic changes and accidentals:halfway through the accidentals come thick and fast. Concentration and counting are essential. The parts are well set out for the page turns. An understanding of quarter tones would be useful in bar 3. A real whirligig of a piece we liked it a lot! 

 Review written by Chris Blanch

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_Score 15 pp. Parts 4 pp._