Cuckoo-borough (2009)

Programme note

Cuckoo-borough is the second (although composed last) of a group of works that comes under the heading Voice Without Words, and explores the auralisation of exhaustion, pathetic inadequacy and anger; the potential symptoms of cultural anxiety (other works in the series are Swan Song and Dark Bird). Cuckoo-borough relies on asynchronous loops as a structuring device that supports a number of vocal statements along with other heavily transformed materials such as textures and glitch artefacts. Although it is hoped that the listener will experience emotional qualities as an emphatic response through the listening process, no lexical indications are given to present an established language more commonly associated with syntactical organisation (for example, the syntax of English). However, from a semantic point-of-view, such vocal externalisations and treatments are likely to be perceived as suggested psychological states. The piece was conceived in both stereo and 5.1 surround formats.

The name is derived from the description below.

The common cuckoo may be described as a brood parasite, because it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species. After surveying a chosen area within a borough occupied by other species, the hen cuckoo flies down to the victim’s nest, pushes one egg out of the nest, lays a replacement egg and flies away. Once hatched, cuckoo chicks methodically evict all progeny from the host nest whether that be an egg or a chick.

Often a borough is a single town with its own local government. However, in some cities it is a subdivision of the city. Whatever the case, a borough will be populated and will be measured in various ways. For example, crime rate and therefore questions of morality. Many interesting comparisons can be made with the common cuckoo when comparing it to, for example, crime, law and government policy.