Blair Harris | Greenbaum: Lunar Orbit

Blair Harris ⎮ Cello

0:00 Lunar Orbit (2011) Stuart Greenbaum
5:18 Performance Tutorial

'....Pianissimo, pizzicato and glissandi create an eerie picture, almost like a cry for help as the astronauts are isolated from their fellow man in the lunar environment. The composer is not afraid to use silence. In this atmospheric work we are transported via a beautiful performance by the solo cello.'
-Gwen Bennett (The Music Trust)

From the composer….
I spent some time contemplating the 1969 Apollo 11 mission (that first landed human beings on the Moon) from two perspectives. Firstly, that of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, who after landing successfully on the Moon and having done the required ‘field trip’ (collecting rocks etc.) were then required to sleep before taking off again. This they found impossible, achieving at best a fitful rest in the frigid lander vehicle. Aldrin famously described his impression of the Moon as “magnificent desolation”.

And secondly, the experience of Michael Collins who remained aboard the command module Columbia in orbit of the moon while Armstrong and Aldrin were on the surface. He experienced unprecedented isolation, not being able to communicate with Earth or even his fellow astronauts while orbiting the so–called ‘dark’ side of the Moon.

Stuart Greenbaum (1966-) is currently the Head of Composition at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Blair Harris is a highly regarded Melbourne based solo cellist and chamber musician, known particularly for his strikingly individual interpretations and innovative collaborative projects. His music has a nationwide reach, being a member of Ensemble Offspring in Sydney as well as the Southern Cross Soloists. Blair also performs regularly as a duo with acclaimed pianist Caroline Almonte.

Most recently he has been guest cellist with the Australian String Quartet and principal cellist with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. As a soloist he has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria. He has recently performed as part of the Canberra International Music Festival and Peninsula Summer Music Festival and alongside Ensemble Offspring at the Shanghai New Music Festival.