Philip Venables: Illusions (2017) - For Nine Amplified Players and Video

Product Information

• Language: English
• Grade: 3
• Publisher: Ricordi
• Item Number: RICL00036700
• Other Reference: RICL00036700
• ISMN: 9790570029969 / 979-0570029969

Overview

"Illusions" is an innovative and genre-defying composition by Philip Venables, created in 2017 for nine amplified players and video. This powerful work features text and video by the iconic British performance artist David Hoyle, whose confrontational and thought-provoking style serves as the foundation for the piece’s thematic depth. Combining live ensemble performance with multimedia elements, Illusions explores pressing themes of identity, sexuality, mental health, and societal constructs with unflinching honesty and raw emotional energy. Venables, known for his politically engaged and theatrically charged works, uses the ensemble not merely as musical performers, but as participants in a broader multidisciplinary dialogue that blurs the lines between concert music, performance art, and theatre.

Structured in a sequence of scenes or episodes, the piece incorporates spoken word, live projection, amplified instrumental textures, and real-time interaction with video, demanding a high level of coordination and interpretive sensitivity from performers. While accessible to intermediate to advanced ensembles with a background in contemporary performance practice, Illusions also challenges musicians to engage with the emotional and social context of the work in a way that goes beyond traditional music-making. Through its bold integration of text and image, Illusions serves as both a personal and political statement—one that confronts the audience with questions about truth, perception, and the roles we play in society. It is a visceral and immersive experience, ideally suited for festivals, contemporary music programs, and venues that embrace the boundary-pushing potential of music as social commentary.

Product Features

• Format: Score and Parts
• Instrumentation: Nine Amplified Players
• Performance Level: Grade 3, suitable for intermediate musicians
• Duration: Approximately 10 minutes

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Collaboration: "Illusions" is a collaboration between composer Philip Venables and performance artist David Hoyle, known for his provocative and engaging performances. The piece combines live music with video elements, creating a multi-sensory experience that engages the audience on multiple levels .
• Thematic Exploration: The work addresses contemporary issues such as LGBT identity and societal expectations, making it a powerful statement in the realm of modern music. It was first performed shortly after the 2015 General Election in the UK, adding a layer of political context to its themes.
• Performance Context: "Illusions" has been well-received in concert settings, often performed by ensembles like the London Sinfonietta, and is noted for its ability to captivate audiences with its bold artistic vision .

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a respected music publishing house that specializes in classical and contemporary music, ensuring the preservation and promotion of significant works.

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#PhilipVenables #Illusions #AmplifiedMusic #ContemporaryComposition #Ricordi