A note from the composer...
Innovation 216 is a celebration of the beauty of flight through aspects of Bristol's aerospace history, from the earliest Bristol Boxkite Biplane to the Blenheim Light Bomber, the Brabazon and Britannia, and Concorde.
Sounds of the aeroplanes as a timeline are represented within the brass and percussion, in particular wood of the early planes, progressing to metal, the rumble and anticipation of engines preparing for take-off, followed by a perspective of Concorde flying high, floating as though a bird (and a nod to the sound of the 'sonic boom').
Other aspects of flight can be heard throughout the piece such as the Doppler effect, particularly in the percussion. Musical motifs are based around the notes B, A, and C (Bristol Aeroplane Company, Bristol Aero Collection and Aerospace Bristol), heard at the beginning and the end, where the numbers '216' are also incorporated.
The title, Innovation 216, celebrates the innovation of Bristol's aerospace industry and also relates to Concorde 216, the last Concorde built, the final one assembled and flown at Filton, and the last ever to fly, returning to Filton from Heathrow Airport on 26 November 2003. In addition, the music marks the 150th anniversary of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2016.
I am hugely grateful for the expertise of members past and present from Bristol's aerospace industry who gave up their time to help with historical and contextual research, and also provided quotes reflecting on the future of aviation, some of which are sung by the choir in the final section.
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Selected feedback (2016, 2018, 2020 performances of brass bands and choir)
An immersive, memorable and moving love letter to Bristol’s aviation story…. stunning brass writing
The melodies continue to run through my head and it was atruly inspirational piece that made for a very fitting tribute to aviation inBristol.
Once again I am deeply jealous of all those soaringthemes.... *sigh*...
It was thrilling…. It's a beautiful piece,deceptivelysimple, cumulatively rich.
Thought your composition was really fabulous. Very evocativeof chirpy old aeroplanes to subsonic giants whispering and then the booms andcalmness of high supersonic speeds at very high altitudes….
One of the most amazing pieces of music I've ever had theprivilege of playing…. For anyone who enjoys descriptive music you won't findanything more illustrative than Innovation 216, well done to thecomposer....truly stunning…
Innovation 216 was a wonderful sound and so effective….
Your piece was lovely. Some glorious sounds, themesand effects that encapsulated the brilliance and excitement of the ongoingBristol aerospace heritage.
What a great piece Innovation 216 is…
Totally loved Innovation 216. Thank you Dr Liz Lane…
Loved every minute!
I’m still singing Concorde! A beautiful piece…
Once again Liz your imagination and concepts amaze me…
Beautiful expressive music….
Can’t decide which was my favourite percussion moment of#Innovation216 by @lizlanecomposertonight. Maybe the twigs on the bass drumsimulating old propeller planes…. Or maybe the tubular bell descending into abucket of water to simulate the Doppler effect sound of passing aircraft.
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