W.T. in ‘63

Horn Trio

Programme Note

In 1963, the American artist Wayne Thiebaud created ‘Three Machines’, where the machines in question are bubblegum dispensaries. The idea of three almost identical machines working continuously and getting stuck (as if like bubblegum) resonated with me and lead to the creation of this piece. As players get obsessed with fragments of the opening unison line, the piece works up until the ‘bubble’ pops, leaving fragments of the tune behind.

W.T. in ‘63 was premiered by Alexandra Wood, Richard Watkins and Huw Watkins ensemble on 26/2/14 in the DJRH at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Liam Mattison (London, February 2014)