Burton, Katrina (2008) NY10128. [Composition]

Abstract/Description

During my PhD studies I was involved in a creative research project linking musical composition to architectural design, focusing in particular on the Chrysler Building. This resulted in a five-movement work for orchestra, “The Chrysler Cycle”. Nigel Osborne offered much encouragement and advice throughout this project, for which I am most grateful.

When I was approached to write a new work for this evening’s concert I wanted to acknowledge Nigel’s support and chose to address again the relationship between architecture and music, this time concentrating on the Guggenheim museum in New York (the title refers to the zip code of the building). While the music explores aspects of the building’s design it also acknowledges its location in Manhattan. The impression of openness created in the work is representative of the building’s spacious, light interior and also its proximity to Central Park, which was a vital issue in determining the museum's location. By situating the museum next to the open space of the park visitors are offered an opportunity to experience nature and escape the bustle of the city. Originally intending to focus in considerable detail on the building’s design, as the piece progressed I started to drift slightly from my original plan and found that memories of the many visits I have made to the museum began to influence the work.

NY 10128 is dedicated to Andrew Stevenson; it was commissioned by Edinburgh Contemporary Music Ensemble.

Actions (login required)