Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis

Flows Obsidian

for amplified ensemble (composed 2019 / recalibrated 2023)
flute (a.fl., picc.), clarinet (b.cl.), violin, viola, cello, contrabass, 8-string electric guitar, piano, percussion, and drum set
11 minutes

Composed for Contemporaneous and ICEBERG New Music.

Recorded on the album Calibrating Friction (2023) by Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis, featuring Javier Reyes, Tara Helen O'Connor, Ken Thomson, Fung Chern Hwei, Raphael Weinroth-Browne, Tristan Kasten-Krause, Vicky Chow, Matt Grou, and Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis.
Produced by Adam Pietrykowski & Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis.

Score and parts available for purchase (PDF or hard copy). Send an inquiry through the Contact page.

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It is commonly found within the margins of rhyolitic lava flows known as obsidian flows. Obsidian is hard, brittle, and amorphous; it therefore fractures with very sharp edges.

The formation process of this substance evokes striking images that feel eminently suitable to the sonic evolution of a piece of musical drama. Flows Obsidian deploys Contemporaneous’s instrumental forces in a setting that fuses classical chamber ensemble and metal band.

—HS | www.hstafylakis.com