Gareth Farr Photo: supplied
"Mondo Rondo’s three movements are quirky, clever and full of character, with each movement managing to create a unique sound world with the space of a few minutes.
The three movements are:
- Mondo Rondo
- Mumbo Jumbo
- Mambo Rambo
Although the title of the first movement gives a nod to the rondo form found in classical music, it does not stay true to this form for its entirety. Among the patchwork of oft-repeated themes and new ideas interspersed between comically inappropriate cadences, ‘Mondo Rondo’ contains material from which the following two movements are derived.
‘Mumbo Jumbo’ begins as a study in pizzicato, employing the technique of hocketing, whereby the tune is built up from a few notes contributed by each instrument in turn. The piano mimics the pizzicato sound by muting string inside the piano. The overall effect is quite unusual, suggestive perhaps of the sound of the m’bira (African thumb piano).
The third movement, ‘Mambo Rambo’, opens with a repeated emphatic statement before settling into a layered groove grounded by the cello. All players have an opportunity to embrace fervent melodic lines as the accompanying roles are passed around the ensemble." (Notes by the composer)
Recorded in Nelson Centre of Musical Arts by RNZ
Sound engineer: Darryl Stack
