Aidan O'Rourke & James Robertson: 365 [Live]

This piece is about storytelling: about how to tell stories without saying too much. James Robertson wrote a story every day for a year, each exactly 365 words. What began as an exercise became a valued ritual and a captivating collection of tales, from the supernatural to the philosophical. Aidan O’Rourke applied the same discipline to composition: a tune a day in response to Robertson’s stories. The music is rooted in Scottish folk fiddling with Kit Downes on harmonium adding jazz and French impressionism. The performance intertwines tunes with the words that inspired them. A series of fleeting, vivid vignettes.

This piece is part of PRS Foundation's New Music Biennial 2019. 

Commissioned by Edinburgh International Book Festival.

James Robertson vocals
Aidan O'Rourke violin
Kit Downes piano/harmonium

AUDIO

REVIEWS

'...a beautiful piece of contemporary folk music.' Nieuwe Noten

FUNDERS

New Music Biennial is generously supported by the following committed patrons, funders and partners:

RECORDING CREDITS

The performance of 365 was recorded live at Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room, London on 6 July 2019 by BBC Radio 3.

Catalogue number: NMC DL201908
Release Date: 11 October 2019