Jonathan MAYER: Vilambit for Strings – Britten Sinfonia

Drawing inspiration from South Asian classical music Mayer uses an array of different ragas and implements the pivot note Ni (the leading note) to modulate between them. The composition incorporates sitar influenced phrasing drawing on the instrument’s characteristic glides microtonal inflections and long arching melodic shapes. These techniques give the music a fluid vocal quality that echoes traditional raga performance.The piece features lush strings a calming overall mood and rich resonant harmonies brought to life by 12 musicians from one of Britain’s finest chamber ensembles.