Elevations (2017) for ensemble
flute, oboe, clarinet, marimba, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass
Fp. 20 August 2017 Schloss Solitude (Stuttgart, Germany) by Ensemble SurPlus, cond. Erich Wagner

Elevations (2017), scored for nine instruments, develops the musical material into multiple, yet transparent interpretations of the concepts of rising, transcending, elevating, or increasing (true to title). The music aims to get higher, to cross thresholds – to increase sonic awareness. The material is based on acoustic phenomena on instruments, such as flageolets, beatings, multiphonics and registral characteristics of intervals, all adhering to a similar directional, elaborative, ascending tendency. The empirical, sound-based composition process, I hope, is not merely replicating the ancient human occupancy of brick-making ('filling form x with material y') as the above language might suggest. (For me it's a false dichotomy, anyway.) Yet, the piece is also decisively non-conceptual, containing no 'extra-musical' stimuli. It also does its best (if at all possible) to avoid the position of an academic outside artist-commentator who elevates themselves above their appropriated or down-right stolen source material. This conceptual simplicity should render all prerequisites to listening (outside of silence and alertness), even this text, basically obsolete.
(c) 2017 Jarkko Hartikainen

Elevations (2017) for ensemble

www.jarkkohartikainen.net
sheet music: core.musicfinland.fi/composers/jarkko-hartikainen

Jarkko Hartikainen is a composer striving to create works that explore what music is and could still be, researching the possibilities in sound through rigorous performer-collaboration as well as studying findings in a plethora of disciplines. Stimulating acoustic phenomena, exciting sonorities and concrete, bodily impulses through rhythm, resonance and empathy fuel his often extremely instrument-specific, concentrated writing. Currently Hartikainen is working as a commission-based freelance composer, as well as pursuing his D.Mus degree at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. Eriikka Maalismaa, defunensemble, Tapiola Sinfonietta, Ensemble Adapter and other such distinguished performers have recently promoted his work.