NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Chamber
Chamber music is defined as works for between 1 and 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics
A work is defined as a single complete musical composition, or expression. This includes music with movements or sub-works (i.e. song cycles), installations, and real-time compositions (improvised music).
If you believe your work to be nominated in the wrong category or the details of your nomination to be incorrect, please contact the AMC via email at awards@australianmusiccentre.com.au before proceeding with the nomination.
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Nominee
Sam Williams
Title of the work
a million empty boxes
Performer
Rachel bullen, Matthew Kneale and Georgina Lewis
Performance Date
29/9/2024
Venue
Australasian Double Reed Society National Conference, Emmanuel College
Nominator Statement
Sam Williams trio for oboe, bassoon and piano a million empty boxes is an apt to contribution our art music chamber music repertoire, namely for its unique combination of double winds with piano and innovative take on the seemingly mundane aspects of our life.
Sam found deeper meaning and joy in the delicate unearthing of crosswords and their clues, using the lesser-seen mixed piano trio and the works structure to emulate the flow of solving a NYT crossword and its all its complexities.
The piece captures the ebb and flow of a crossword solvers mind, from moments of clarity to the challenge of finding answers that seem just out of reach. Williams cleverly uses the piano trios dynamic potential to evoke the tension, satisfaction, and occasional frustration inherent in the crossword experience. Through intricate counterpoint and playful rhythmic gestures, the trio paints a sonic landscape that mirrors the pursuit of solving each clue, creating a work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
a million empty boxes is an exemplary reflection of Williams' compositional tact and is a striking work of chamber music that pushes compositional aesthetic while staying rooted in the relatable, everyday act of crossword solving. For its creativity and originality, I hope you consider this piece a worthy candidate for the Chamber Music Award category.
Nominee
Sam Williams
Title of the work
a million empty boxes
Performer
Rachel bullen, Matthew Kneale and Georgina Lewis
Performance Date
29/9/2024
Venue
Australasian Double Reed Society National Conference, Emmanuel College
Sam found deeper meaning and joy in the delicate unearthing of crosswords and their clues, using the lesser-seen mixed piano trio and the works structure to emulate the flow of solving a NYT crossword and its all its complexities.
The piece captures the ebb and flow of a crossword solvers mind, from moments of clarity to the challenge of finding answers that seem just out of reach. Williams cleverly uses the piano trios dynamic potential to evoke the tension, satisfaction, and occasional frustration inherent in the crossword experience. Through intricate counterpoint and playful rhythmic gestures, the trio paints a sonic landscape that mirrors the pursuit of solving each clue, creating a work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
a million empty boxes is an exemplary reflection of Williams' compositional tact and is a striking work of chamber music that pushes compositional aesthetic while staying rooted in the relatable, everyday act of crossword solving. For its creativity and originality, I hope you consider this piece a worthy candidate for the Chamber Music Award category.