HumAnIty

Concert Piece

"HumAnIty" is an engaging 22-minute composition that interweaves the vibrancy of Brass Band, the rhythmic allure of Percussion, and the captivating narration of a Robotic Narrator across five distinct movements. Each segment is meticulously crafted to embody emotions exclusive to human experience, underscoring the dichotomy between humanity and Artificial Intelligence (A.I). This composition has been commissioned by Stavanger Brass Band for SIDDIS 2023, under the baton of conductor Ian Porthouse.

Movement I - Humanity [Duration: C. 4 Minutes]
In this spirited opener, the vitality of the human race springs forth. Resembling a spontaneous flash mob, musicians gracefully converge onto the stage, contributing to an evolving melody that steadily intensifies in its infectious rhythm. A harmonious zenith gives way to a poignant theme, which soon transforms into a lively Scottish pipe band-esque motif. The music surges towards a triumphant crescendo, culminating in a resounding climax that concludes the movement on a grand note.

Movement II - From Past To Present... Then Back Again! [Duration: C. 4 Minutes 20]
An exploration of human creativity and the metamorphosis of music from the Medieval era to the present day, with a brief coda to wrap up. Anchored by variations of the hymn "Aeterne Rerum Conditor" by St. Ambrose (340-397), the composition opens with an ensemble harmonization of this venerable hymn, its melody transformed into Renaissance tonalities through spirited periodic percussion and thematic variation. The journey then progresses through the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, seamlessly weaving motifs from Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4. The movement concludes with a brief nod to the Classical era in a succinct coda.

Movement III - Wrath Of Prometheus [Duration: C. 4 Minutes]
Drawing inspiration from humanity's capacity for sin and the tumultuous emotions of wrath and anger, this movement centres around the myth of Prometheus, who bestowed fire upon humanity and suffered eternal torment as retribution. The piece spotlights Trombone and Solo Cornet solos, embodying Prometheus and Vulcan respectively, while a prominent percussion presence amplifies the dramatic tension throughout.

Movement IV - Lament For Lost Tomorrows [Duration: C. 3 Minutes 30]
Penned by the innovative A.I. composer AIVA, this poignant lament encapsulates the A.I.'s interpretation of human qualities such as Courage, Compassion, and Love. A pioneering creation, this marks the first instance of a composition for British-Style Traditional Brass Band & Percussion composed by an Artificial Intelligence.

Movement V - Continuum [Duration: C .5 Minutes]
The final movement, "Continuum," is a breathtaking whirlwind of virtuosity that encapsulates the myriad facets of human emotion. Radiating freedom, wildness, spontaneity, creativity, sinfulness, compassion, and love, this rapid and expressive piece strives to answer the profound question: "What does it mean to be human?"

"HumAnIty" stands as a testament to the boundless range of human emotions and creative expression, while also acknowledging the distinct realm of Artificial Intelligence. Through its five evocative movements, the composition embodies the essence of Humanity in all its intricate, resplendent glory.

Duration: 22 Minutes

Difficulty: 6/6