‘A Strange New Place’ is a short, rather experimental track from my 2015 recording project ‘Explorations.’
This project was a significant part of my Honours degree at UTas in Hobart.
Every track except one was an original composition, all heavily based around my experiences in Hobart.
Making the move to a city that I had never even visited before and knew very little about was a huge step for me and came with a steep learning curve. ‘A Strange New Place’ is a work for augmented solo piano and reflects my very first impressions and feelings about my new life in Tasmania. I was in a town I had never been before, where I knew next to no one. Prior to this I had never lived alone and I had no idea what was in store.
This piece is, for the most part specifically notated and attempts to make use of imagery and musical onomatopoeia such as glass breaking.
The work is performed on a uniquely Tasmania Huon pine Stuart and Sons 97 keyed concert grand piano. I deliberately went to lengths to use this piano as it has a distinctively Tasmanian, nostalgic, almost foggy sound to it. The piece utilizes the full 8+ octaves and fourth foot pedal not seen on most other grand pianos.
For me the piece is about mystery, fear, curiosity and optimism.

Jack Collinson