Andrew Ford: Like Icarus Ascending (1984)

Abstract

"A number of my pieces have multi-referential, extra-musical dimensions to them. Like Icarus ascending is one of these: the title comes from a Joni Mitchell song about Amelia Earhardt; there is also a punning reference in the title to Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending. The Icarus myth itself, clearly, is another source of reference, and particularly the large number of works of art it has inspired. For all this, the music describes no fall; Icarus continues his ascent, drifting off into the stratosphere. But has he avoided disaster? If, to us, he seems to be gliding effortlessly, it could just be that we are too far away to realise he has lost control and will not be returning. Like Icarus ascending was first performed at the University of New South Wales by Dene Olding in October 1984." -- Andrew Ford