Nur Musik

When I was approached to write for Ensemble 10/10 in 2008, the year Liverpool was European Capital of Culture, I immediately heard the sound of a soaring oboe line wrapped inside a dense, dark and murky ensemble texture, fighting to be heard amongst aggressive, volatile and even explosive music. Immediately after, in stark contrast, I heard softer, tender and more intimate music. I also wanted to highlight the oboe’s power to sing with yearning, lyrical intensity. These two opposing worlds form the basic structure of the work. The piece was written during a stay in Berlin in 2008. It has no extra-musical influence, hence the title Nur Musik, which translates as ‘just music’ or ‘simply music’.

Nur Musik is dedicated to Ensemble 10/10.

© 2016 Mark Simpson