Abacus

jazz big band

Premiere by the Melbourne University Big Band, on June 1, 2023, at Kenneth Myer Auditorium, Victoria, conducted by Mat Jodrell

Sample Score 1

Sample Score 2

Abacus was developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne Big Band, written with consideration for the ensemble’s sensitivities and musical interests. Drawing from jazz and contemporary experimental practices, the work bridges two musical worlds, integrating improvisation and structured indeterminacy. The informal, dynamic atmosphere of the jazz rehearsal room and the ensemble’s enthusiasm for new music shaped the compositional approach, fostering an exchange of ideas throughout the process.

The piece negotiates a balance between notated structure and free exploration, capitalising on the ensemble’s improvisational fluency and collective musicianship. Themes of indeterminacy and spontaneous interaction align with the band’s inherently playful performance culture, resulting in a work that embraces fluidity and individual expression. At its apex, overlapping solos – reflecting an array of artistic voices within the ensemble – build into a dense, energetic texture, mirroring the creative dialogues that unfolded throughout the collaboration.