BRIAR PRASTITI: Pegasus

Описание: Greek mythology tells the story of Pegasus, a flying horse and noble companion of Zeus. Pegasus (2023) was initially inspired by reminiscences of Briar’s childhood in Tauranga, and the nostalgic memories of riding her horse down and up the forest gully. As the horse galloped back up to the top, it felt as though she was flying.

The spirit of the horse in the earthly sense is depicted in the playful and vigorous opening and closing sections of the piece, invoking a sense of movement, energy and galloping rhythm. The horse transforms into the ethereal spirit of Pegasus, felt in the music by a contrast that occurs the moment the rhythm breaks free, taking flight into a lighter, more starry-like passage of music. In both worlds, the earthly horse and the ethereal horse are poetically intertwined.

Zeus appreciated Pegasus so much that he turned him into a constellation in the stars forever, which takes the meaning of Pegasus into an even deeper more cosmic dimension of love, pathos, and remembrance. This piece is dedicated to our dear family members who now rest with Pegasus in the stars, Luka Henderson, Ashton Henderson, and Daniel Henderson.

Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hamish McKeich, as part of the 2024 NZ Composer Sessions, Michael Fowler Centre, 4 October 2024.

Audio by David Houston for RNZ Concert. Filmed by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.

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