Tintinnabulation by Marcus Vergette

At the centre of this release are Vergette’s Time and Tide bells: handmade instruments which create sound with the rising sea levels. One of the bells is ringing at any given time of day as the tide wraps around our coast, retreats and returns again. There are eight bells currently scattered across the UK’s coasts, each existing as a democratic artwork owned by the local community. 

Sounds from these bells are collaged with field recordings from the coast and fragments of instrumental improvisation, including Vergette himself on double bass. The result is a collection of dark and dramatic soundscapes, capturing the tumultuous nature of our waters.

The title track ‘Tintinnabulation’ explores the idea of a world with birds, and a world without birds, playing with the interaction between the bells and birdsong. In ‘Ferry’, a small group of instrumentalists respond musically to a projected film of the Torpoint Ferry as it crosses the water, with field recordings from the boat audibly intertwined throughout the track. The bells are perhaps most prominent in ‘Wax and Wane’, buoyantly weaving between vocal fragments and field recordings.

Vergette’s creative practice is rooted in the duality of being both a sculptor and musician. One of Vergette’s core principles is democratising art, and he has worked extensively in creating public sculptures. Alongside his sculpting Vergette is also an active freelancer as a jazz bassist, performing regularly throughout the UK.

Tintinnabulations will be launched with a live performance at Nonclassical’s climate themed event the greenhouse effect in the Barbican Conservatory on Sunday 12 March 2023. More info: https://www.nonclassical.co.uk/events/the-greenhouse-effect

nonclassical is a music promoter, record label and events producer presenting the best new classical, experimental and electronic music. Crossing genre and defying convention, we develop, produce and promote innovative music – supporting emerging artists and bringing new music to new audiences.

nonclassical.co.uk
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
open.spotify.com