Nyilamum Song Cycles is a collaboration between the Australian String Quartet and Dr Lou Bennett AM. The performance combines traditional indigenous stories of life and death with classical string music to create a unique experience of Australian culture.
The performance for the Adelaide Festival takes place in the majestic Adelaide Town Hall. Once the lights dim, we hear the story of a dead baby wrapped in possum skin found in a tree, a hundred years ago by a farmer. The baby was stored in a cold museum vault for 99 years before the significance of the birthing trees became understood.
As birdsong from Taungurung Country echoes around the chamber, (“Dawn and Dusk” ambience by Hamish Keen), the quartet take their places on stage. Dr Lou Bennett AM sings two songs arranged by Iain Grandange, “baiyan woka” and “jaara nyilamum”. The songs are performed in Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta language. The combination of traditional voice with the classically trained string musicians is sublime.
The ASQ performs on a matched set of Guadagnini instruments on loan with the support of UKARIA. Dale Barltrop and Francesca Hiew play Guadagnini violins from circa 1784, Chris Cartlidge plays a Viola from 1783, and Michael Dahlenburg plays a 1743 Guadagnini Violoncello. Their dedication to their craft is particularly evident during composer Paul Stanhope’s “String Quartet No. 3, From the Kimberley.” It is a recognition of their skill that the instruments are on permanent loan.
Stanhope’s three-part movement was inspired by his visits to the Kimberley region. The opening movement reflects on the story of Jandamarra, a Bunuba man who worked as a tracker for white troopers. He “switched sides” and paid for his act of resistance with his life, becoming a hero. Creating the sonic landscape of the region and the tension of the chase, using the combined voices of the violins is masterful.
The second movement represents the lament of a black cockatoo grieving her baby’s death. The melody is composed by a Bunuba Woman, Molly Jalakbiya. Creating birdsong with combined precision and control is a delight to listen to and watch.
To balance the mood, the final movement is an optimistic, joyful ode to the Kimberley River, The Fitzroy (Martu Warra). A bright and cheerful imagining of children playing in the swirling waters under the watchful eyes of the Aunties is bought to life with gusto and effervescence.
After the interval, Dr Lou Bennett AM returns to the stage to perform the five works of the nyilamum song cycles. Although performed entirely in native language, Dr Bennett’s skill in expression elevates the story telling as a universal language.
The five songs depict a cycle; the sun rising, a call to country, travelling to the “west” after what we would consider death, the homecoming spirit of the trees, the breath of the country, and the immutable bond between mother and baby.
It feels as though we are listening to a lullaby, a reassurance that the world is a safe and nurturing place. There is something deep, profound and spiritual that is happening. We are caressed and protected. With an overwhelming feeling of love and devotion.
At the conclusion, the audience erupted into an enthusiastic standing ovation that celebrated the awe-inspiring experience that we had shared. Combining a respectful and deep understanding of our country’s ancient stories with the historic legacy of western music is a masterful collaboration that is to be appreciated.
John Goodridge was a guest of the Adelaide Festival for the performance of nyiamum song cycles on 27th February.
For more details about the Adelaide Festival check their webpage: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/whats-on/
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