WINGFORM
Wingform is a Crash commission by Barry O’Halpin.
‘Wingform’ (2017–2020) is an hour-length work in four movements, with solo electric guitar passages as connective tissue. It serves as the culmination of Barry O’Halpin’s period as Crash Ensemble’s composer-in-residence, alongside his first few years as Crash guitarist.
Performed by Crash Ensemble with visuals by designer Jack Phelan.
“Wingform teems intensely with a living energy, taking full advantage of Crash’s unique ability to cover a breadth of musical ground: winding melodies, mechanical rhythms, rapid lines and hypnotic drones. The work combines an experimental and highly personal approach to the electric guitar with a fascination toward the contrasts and uncanny commonalities between ‘wild’ sounds in nature and human-made music and machinery, juxtaposing these elements in vividly surreal ways.”
Journey of Wingform:
Premiere at New Music Dublin 2021 with full ensemble, live stream from Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin.
Visual artist Jack Phelan was commissioned to create an installation based on the composition.
The installation toured Ireland between March-December 2022.
Album launched during New Music Dublin 2022.
Performance at Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival November 2022.
Performance & installation at The National Concert Hall December 2022.
Composer:
Barry O Halpin
Performers:
Crash Ensemble
Ryan McAdams Conductor
Visuals:
Jack Phelan
Programme notes
Marking the culmination of Barry O’Halpin’s period as Composer in Residence with Crash Ensemble, Wingform is his second release on Crash Records.
Crash Ensemble
Barry O’Halpin, Solo Guitar
Ryan McAdams, Conductor
Edited, mixed, mastered and produced by Adrian Hart
