Brekalo, Matko: identificationstagnation, for ensemble

 

Created in 2017, identificationstagnation is, according to the composer, inspired by human behavior and the problems of contemporary society. “Identification in this case is associated with conscious or unconscious behaviors or states of mind, such as: materialism, hypersensitivity/impulsivity, classical conditioning and addiction. Changeability, as something highly desirable in modern society, is represented through the following traits: creativity, empathy, individuality, and self-actualization. Stagnation, as the worst state of human existence, is represented through conformity – hedonism, greed, depression (indifference), fear and anxiety.” These traits form the specific formal structure of the work. Each trait is described by unique motifs that are treated within a time frame of just 30 seconds, and due to the rapid motif and thematic changes, this piece has a constant flow and a fast structural transformation. This winning composition of the 10th pre-art Competition for Young Composers was first premiered by pre-art soloists – a Swiss sonemus ensemble for contemporary music at the Sonemus Festival in Sarajevo in 2017, after which it was also performed at the Music Biennale Zagreb, the Novalis music+art Festival in Zadar and as part of a concert cycle in Zürich. At the 65th International Rostrum of Composers in Budapest in 2018, Matko Brekalo placed forth in the young composers category with this piece.

 

Bojana Plećaš Kalebota