Comin’ Right Atcha (2002)

for mixed chamber ensemble

version 1: amplified ensemble of clarinet, bassoon, trpt, trom, kit, pno, vln, db

version 2: 15 member chamber ensemble: 1.1.1.1 1.1.1.1 kit pno 1.1.1.1.1

duration: 9-10 minutes

Faber Music publishing details available for version 1 and version 2


Audio Excerpt:
2 minutes from towards the start of the work.


Programme Notes

The initial source of inspiration for Comin’ Right Atcha came from a conversation with the conductor of the Absolute Ensemble, Kristjan Jaarvi. He encouraged me to write a work that was inspired by the funk music of James Brown, and to an extent this has been reflected in some sections of the piece, particularly some of the smaller motives and overlapping layers of rhythmic material.

The majority of the material in this piece has been generated from two small motives. The spoken rhythm of the title, “Comin’ Right Atcha” (and its variant, “I’m Comin’ Right Atcha”), creates one of these, and this is heard earliest in the violin part after the opening hi-hat solo. The other motive is a short, three-pitch descending fragment. The rhythm of this fragment has also been derived from the speech-rhythm of another piece of text.

In this piece I have tried to give all members of the ensemble some sort of solo. This reflects the outstanding calibre of the performers for which I was writing – indeed, a characteristic of all the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to receive as Featured Composer in this year’s Musica Viva season.

notes by Matthew Hindson.


CD Recording Available?

    Not at present.

Other Information

Musica Viva Australia has produced a resource for students on this piece as part of its Hands On Hindson educational resource. This includes a process diary of its composition.

Leave a Reply