2020 From Bushfires to Pandemic by David Hole

The piece was composed during the Australian Winter of 2020 - July to August. It is a musical record of experiences so far during the year and what may come.

Bars 1-8. Early 2020 with bushfires and constant smoke and uncertainty. To be played with the intensity of a raging fire!

Bars 9-23. Covid strikes, not as intense but emotionally up and down. There are occasional emotional highs and conflict as the situation changes

Bars 25-40. Covid returns to Victoria, this time with more intensity and impact (reflect in playing). This section is similar to 9-23 in texture with some changes. Reflecting the repeat of Covid. The lives remain the same but different. The second half of this triplet section sees a shift of the melody to the bass, perhaps giving a more somber feel and reflecting the higher mortality rate?

Bars 41-54. As we settle into the Covid lockdown, time seems to have little meaning. Take liberties and play with Rubato

Bars 55-56. Corni technique sounding like ”horns in the distance”, heralding a new dawn and hope after covid. To be played as written.

Bars 57-58. Softly we seen an end to the pandemic.
To be played as written, right hand thumb flesh and over 12th fret.

Bars 59-66. A return to the beginning. We live in a cycle. Cynically, nothing is going to change. Bushfires will return but perhaps with less intensity this summer? Play less intensely compared to bars 1-8.

Coda 67-end. But perhaps again, there is a mystery. We don't really know what is around the corner...

Have fun playing!

David Hole
Artwork by Rachel Badlan