EQUINOX
An exploration of time, space, identity, memory and loss in a work for violin, piano and narrator, accompanied by texts from Norwegian author, Jostein Gaarder.
Since the 17th century, theorists, philosophers and composers have discussed the intrinsic properties of musical keys, and their links to time and space. These discussions and ideas inspired Henning Kraggerud and the world-famous author of Sophie's World, Jostein Gaarder, to collaborate on Equinox.
Equinox comprises four concertos - Afternoon, Evening, Night and Morning - with 25 postludes in all. These postludes are written in 24 keys and depict 24 hours and 24 time zones, taking the listener on a kaleidoscopic tour across the world and time, and journeying through the circle of fifths, beginning in C major. The postludes are by turn joyful, mournful, effervescent and heart-wrenching.
Jostein Gaarder has written an original accompanying 24-part narrative, 24 keys to a world before it slips away, charting a man's journey through time from the Meridian Line in Greenwich, London, which features in live performances of Equinox. As he awaits a potentially serious medical diagnosis, the protagonist decides to make the most of his 24 hours of freedom by visiting every time zone.
Equinox can be performed in two halves with narration and lasts 2.5 hours. If performed without narration, it is played in a single span lasting 75 minutes. It was premiered in its orchestral version in 2014 at the opening concert of the Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø, and later performed in Norwegian with Jostein Gaarder in Bodø and the Risor Festival. The work has since been played by the NFM Symphony Orchestra, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia and Tonkünstler Orchestra.
▸ Download a proposal for performances in English here and read more on Henning's website.
▸ Download a proposal for performances in Norwegian here.