Ponde in the River Piano Solo - Digital Sheet Music

Piano, Piano Solo - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1673061

By Tim Fatchen. Composed by Tim Fatchen. This edition: pdf, streaming. 20th Century, Classical, Contemporary, New Age. Score. 12 pages. Flying Tadpole Productions #1238705. Published by Flying Tadpole Productions (A0.1673061).

Neo-classical theatrical piano or keyboard solo telling part of the tale of Ponde ("Pon-dee") the Great Cod and his creation of Australia's Great River. About 5:15 duration.

Theatrical in its use of highly contrasting slow moments--the resting fish-- and the spear thrusts of the hunter Ngurunderi ("Nurrun-derry") with Ponde's response. The fast portions have significant short cadenzas but within a handspan reach in all cases. Straightforward for a reasonably advanced player, not suitable for a beginner or early intermediate player.

Good performance requires flexibility with tempo and count--it is fluid, and time signatures are a only guide. Play it both as the fish--languid fish-thoughts and sudden quick fish movements--and the canny hunter. still and silent before striking,

Although scored for piano, this piece is hugely effective on a keyboard using piano in the foreground, with a very soft slow-attack sustained string pad. See the youtube video.

THE STORY
Ponde the Great Codfish, resting in his creation of Australia's Great River, is hunted by the hero and lawgiver Ngurunderi, himself the Great Spirit of the Ngarrindjeri peoples of South Australia's Lakes and Coorong. One of Ngurunderi's spear thrusts catches Ponde in his tail, and the giant fish rushes away, finishing his river, and disappears into the great Lake at its end.

"Ponde in the River" was the first of a series, at the invitation of Ngarrindjeri and coworkers, telling part of the wonderful story of Ngurunderi as music drama. Part of the story lyrics, which can be spoken over the music, are given with the sheet music. The series led to the opera "Ngurunderi Inspirations" (State Opera of South Australia). Though scheduled in 2017, the Opera was cancelled and has never been revived. Scores are available here.