Debra Salem

The Incredible Brightness of Being was a commission (2016) from Horsecross Arts Ltd and The Margaret Morris Archive to write a piece of music for dance inspired by the work of Margaret Morris. I was given an artist residency with the archive,  which resulted in  writing a piece for four vocalists  and a double bass.  The concept was inspired by the fact that Margaret Morris believed everyone could dance and I feel the same about singing. So I wanted to make a piece that used the skills of some great community choir leaders I knew - with half an eye on the fact that community choirs could sing it. The idea being that the parts in themselves were not complicated, but it was how they all worked together which was important.  The original musicians (Rachel Lightbody, Irene Railey, Karen Dietz and myself, plus Tam Hardy on bass) were all ages, musical background, heights (!!) and all female.  Each movement was also  inspired by an element of Margaret Morris's practice and a great Pathe  news reel  which gave rise to the movement names and feel of that section- such as' not swing but spring' or 'proper breathing'.   The corresponding dance piece was choreographed by Vincent Hantam and performed at Perth Concert Hall for the Margaret Morris Alive Festival.