Inspired by the early vocalisations of infants, Soup (Tautology 12)employs language as a form of musical notation. Various linguists,neuroscientists and other theorists have hypothesised that during our first months of life, distinctions between language and music have not yet beenfully formalised and that this period is a vital time of experimentation and creativity which subsequently disappears as language is acquired. This piece seeks to question relations between assumption, sign, music and language and to release some of the wonderment andjoy of these early adventures with lateral sound play. The work includes a poetic ‘chorus’ which quietly reflects as the pieceevolves.
Podcast
This podcast is an interview between Artistic Director Cat Hope and Amanda Stewart, that explores her interest between music and language.
Amanda Stewart is a poet, vocalist, composer and producer. She has created a diverse range of publicationsand performancesin Australia, Europe, Japan and the US, receiving composition commissions from Musica Viva, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Donaueschinger Musiktage, Ars Electronica, Wittener Tage für neue Kammermusik and theORF, among others. Amanda has received an Åke Blomström Award, UN Association of Australia Media Peace Prize and the Anne Elder Poetry Prize. She is a co-founder of the ensembles, Machine For Making Sense, 180ºand Allos.
Amanda contributed a work to the Drawn from Sound exhibition and performance in 2013-14.