Harry Stafylakis

Flows Obsidian
(2019) for 9 players
flute (a.fl., picc.), clarinet (b.cl.), violin, viola, cello, contrabass, electric guitar, piano, and percussion (drum set)
11 minutes

Composed for Contemporaneous and ICEBERG New Music.

Performed by Blueshift Ensemble, Alex Burtzos conducting, at Continuum Festival in Memphis, TN.

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

Program notes

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