The Wooden Web
Aileen Sweeney
Trees appear silent, but scientists have discovered they are communicating closely with each other. This all happens underground through a fungal network growing around and inside their roots which scientists have coined "The Wood Wide Web." Dying trees may share their resources with nearby trees to increase their chances of survival. A tree that has been attacked by a virus may release a chemical signal to warn other trees to raise their defences. However it can be used selfishly by trees such as the black walnut which spreads toxic chemicals to sabotage rivals.
This piece takes inspiration from trees secretly sharing and communicating among themselves beneath our feet. The glissando motif is passed around the three instruments to help them work together to create small snippets of melodic cells. At the end of the piece, I have created a sound world which represents what I imagine talking trees may sound like!
Performed by The Red Note Ensemble as part of Sound Festival October 2018.
Instrumentation Genre Ensemble (no conductor)
Tag trio
Duration 6 minutes
Instrumentation
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