Description
Antoni Gaudi's monumental temple La Sagrada Familia is a universe within a building. Around the main access points to the basilica are three great facades; Nativity, Passion and Glory. Each is a visual world unto itself, stylistically apart yet united by Gaudi's grandiose vision. These three facades are the inspiration of Blackford's three-movement La Sagrada Familia Symphony. The visual journey, from the representational to the abstract, is something he also tried to mirror in the music. Whereas the symphony is inspired by that monumental building, Blackford hope that the musical structure can stand alone as an homage to Gaudi in its own right. An accompanying film of Sagrada Familia has been created which can be projected behind an orchestra for synchronised performances.
Once The Camden Choir approached Richard Blackford to write a choral work for its 50th anniversary, he became fascinated with the connection between Noah's Flood and Babel.
The portrayal of the Old Testament God has preoccupied painters and composers for centuries. Babel uses the chorus extensively to narrate both stories, as well as to evoke the terror of the flood and the exuberance of the construction of the tower. In addition to set pieces, such as the Nimrod baritone aria, and the soprano aria, "Do not fear the largeness of the showers," the three soloists often sing together in close harmony as the other-worldly voice of God. The instrumental forces are relatively modest, with the piano duet supported by the sustaining power of the organ, backed by two percussionists. This sound world is redolent of those Britten masterpieces for amateur choirs, ensembles and audiences, which have inspired many composers since, and to which I too am gratefully indebted.
