double (serenâd) is an exploration of musical space. The ensemble is divided into two groups, spatially separated on the stage, between which the sound is in constant motion. The double bass is located between the two main groups, and acts as a uniting force, binding the music together and helping the sounds on their journey from one side of the ensemble to the other.

This spatial motion has a life independent of the motion of the music itself: at times spatial and ‘musical’ motion are in opposition or contrast, forming a kind of kinetic counterpoint (for example, musical motion suspended as a single frozen chord, while spatial perspectives are rapidly changing), while at others their movement is more coordinated (for example, the use of conventional call and response, where musical and spatial projections coincide). The ‘double’ of the title refers both to the idea of two groups of players, and to this duality of motion types.

© 2003 A P Lewis, University of Wales, Bangor. All Rights Reserved.