'Imagined Communities' by Victor Arul by Australian Youth Orchestra

This is an original composition from Victor Arul, a participant from the composition program at National Music Camp.

The work was written after studying Australian foreign wars at the University of Western Australia. Part of this study included writing on Asian decolonisation during the Cold War. Benedict Anderson’s “Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism” became a source that grew close to me as a theoretical framework to understand this history. A sense of belonging and distinct nationality is a driving force for Asian decolonisation. Amongst many things, Anderson postulates the concept of the ‘imagined community’. Members of this, for example through Asian decolonisation, hold a mental image of their affinity. This establishes deep connections with each other, even if the members do not know each other personally. This notion is philosophically embodied within my composition.

Listeners should note the contrast between modernist soundworlds. The different lines, while complex on their own, work together to make a coherent atmosphere. The allusions at the outset and conclusion of the piece are inspired by the galant soundworlds of Mozart’s Divertimento in Bb Major K.254 and Domenico Scarlatti’s Keyboard Sonata in G Major Kk.104.

Furthermore, listeners may note the sharp juxtapositions of fast, loud sections with those that are soft and slow. These demonstrate a deviation from a traditional stylistic synthesis; this is analogous to the diversities contained within imagined communities; superficially different yet all bound.

© Victor Arul 2020

Victor is a Perth-based composer who is studying at the University of Western Australia under James Ledger. Currently, Victor is invested in using serial techniques as a means for composition. His works are largely abstract and attempt to blend non-traditional soundworlds with traditions from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras. His aim is to draw listeners in on their first experience with his piece. However, upon further listening, listeners will grasp a deeper appreciation of the work’s underlying complexity.