Colin Black: Summer Solstice

Abstract

Summer Solstice is an electro-acoustic impressionistic experience of summer in Australia. An algorithmic procession of voice samples, condensed through filters, effect units and spectra gating underpins the composition, echoing sun spots and the revolution of daylight. Except for one melodic keyboard line, Summer Solstice is composed entirely from voice samples. This processed pulsating layer of sounds communicates the sheer heat, the dry winds and the overwhelming intensity of an Australian summer. Over this layer are the unfiltered utterances of a 70-year-old farming woman, whose voice and accent express a peculiarly Australian cultural identity. The work is titled Summer Solstice because I wanted to capture the theme of the decay that begins at that part of the annual cycle. The days have reached their peak and begin to decay into shorter periods. Anything left on the land after harvest burns and dries out. People begin to long for cooler weather.