On 2 and 3 November Jessica Cottis and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland performed Matthew Hindson’s Speed in Dublin and Limerick, with the latter concert broadcast live on RTÉ lyric fm.
The 16-minute piece is inspired by the frenetic pace of techno music, bringing together the traditional forces of a symphony orchestra with an electronic drumkit, reflecting the way Hindson’s music synthesises styles from across musical culture. The influence of techno and dance is especially felt in Speed in Hindson’s use of parallel triads and propulsive beat, as well as highly gestural and rapid instrumental writing. The explosive energy of the opening is offset by a more laid-back, introverted middle section, which then bursts into life again for a thrilling accelerando finale.
Speed was choreographed by Bernd Schindowski for his eponymous ballet company at Musiktheater im Revier as part of the all-Hindson show Veitstanz in 2004, complementing other works from the composer that draw on the energetic impulses of contemporary rock, trance and pop, including RPM, Headbanger, and Rave-Elation. It premiered in 1997 with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and David Porcelijn, who subsequently recorded the work. Other exponents have included the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Pierre-André Valade, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra with Robert Trevino, who gave the Irish premiere of the work in 2017, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Graham Abbott.
…Powered by a synthetic drum kit, the orchestra pulses along at 130-plus beats per minute, with subtle shifts mimicking a DJ’s spin doctoring. The work begins in a quintessential techno style, with triads and minor seconds. It closes with another classic trope of the genre, brashly heroic fourths and fifths …The live strings brought a dramatic edge and presence to the sound - who needs a digital sampler when you have a symphony orchestra?
The Australian (Martin Ball), 29 July 1997