If - Luciano Williamson

Luciano

Williamson If for soprano, flute, viola, harp, and sign language interpreter

Performance material 2020

If for soprano, ﬂute, viola, harp, and sign language interpreter Music by Luciano Williamson Lyrics by Kaite O’Reilly

Performance notes: Performers should stand/sit as close together as possible to emphasise the us/them separation of performers and audience. The soprano should use the ensemble tuning to surreptitiously acquire an A; this should not be given separately. The piece begins with the soprano singing solo, and the interpreter signing with them. It is encouraged to ensure an unhurried silence before beginning, as extended as feels necessary. After the first line the instrumentalists enter, in their own time. From here the piece is entirely unsynchronised (besides the soprano and sign language interpreter, who act as a pair); each part is followed closely without attempting to coordinate between players until the end. When the soprano and interpreter have exhausted their material the instrumentalists should also finish at a suitable point, i.e. complete the note they are playing if necessary. The sign language interpreter may use any form of sign language appropriate for the specific performance. ___ Some people are very loud. Some people are very quiet. Very loud people can make very quiet people feel unwanted. Some people are very confident. Some people are very shy. Very confident people can make very shy people feel inadequate. If turns this on its head. Extremely quiet, almost inaudible sounds are given great power.

Soprano and sign language interpreter

If

for soprano, ďŹ&#x201A;ute, viola, harp, and sign language interpreter Text by Kaite O'Reilly

Music by Luciano Williamson

If I speak really quietly If I lower my voice If I don't draw attention If I make myself small If I hide my knowledge If I simply smile If I drop my gaze If I act like a child If I know I'm second best If I'm here to serve If my life doesn't matter If my opinions go unheard If my breathing is shallow If I don't take up room They may give me permission To remain in this room

Soprano: "Speak" the lyrics on

ppp

& w

It should be as quiet as possible, but not whispered. Leave generous pauses between the lines. Aim not to attract any attention, and do not acknowledge the audience - always look down. Sign language interpreter: Sign the lyrics alongside the soprano. Aim not to attract any attention, and do not acknowledge the audience - always look down.

Flute

If

for soprano, ﬂute, viola, harp, and sign language interpreter Text by Kaite O'Reilly

Music by Luciano Williamson

Instructions apply to one note only Enter after first line from soprano "If I speak really quietly"

U ∑

4 &4

& bw

ppp breathy

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ppp breathy

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nw

ppp

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nw

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bw

ppp

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t.tr

nw

ppp

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pauses c. 5 seconds

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slow pitch wobble

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w = 4-7 seconds

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p

ppp

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slow pitch wobble

bw

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, nw ppp breathy

ppp

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nw

ppp

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™™ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ repeat until soprano finishes

Viola

If

for soprano, ﬂute, viola, harp, and sign language interpreter Text by Kaite O'Reilly

Music by Luciano Williamson

w

Senza vib. sempre = 3-9 seconds Other instructions apply for one note each pauses c. 4 seconds Enter after first line from soprano "If I speak really quietly" fast flautando

U ∑

B 44

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B nw

flautando ppp

nw ™ B ™

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nw

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nw ppp

p

, nsul pont. w p

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slow

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sul pont. slow fast

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fast

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bw æ

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slow

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sul pont.

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flautando

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™™ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ repeat until soprano finishes

Harp

If

for soprano, ﬂute, viola, harp, and sign language interpreter Text by Kaite O'Reilly

{

Music by Luciano Williamson

Enter after first line from soprano "If I speak really quietly"

4 &4 ?4 4

U ∑

MMMOMMMM

U ∑

Fb Bb Ab Eb Db A§ E§ A# E# Gb D§ B§ F§ A§ D# F# Ab

Begin with all pedals set to §. Slowly work through the pedal changes described above, approximately one every 6-10 seconds. Pedal changes should be as quiet as possible. If you reach the end and the soprano is still performing, return the pedals to the § position and begin again, all in the same manner. Do not play any strings, but always remain in a "performance-ready" position, as if counting a bar rest. Stop when the soprano reaches the end of their material.

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