‘the engine room’
(working title)
A bespoke soundscape and string composition to celebrate the Rail 200 centenary through sound and music from Co. Durham born Shildon Composer DeboRah Shaw
‘CELEBRATING WOMEN IN MUSIC / WOMEN IN STEAM’
Supported by Making Music, PRS Foundation, Creative Scotland, and Linlithgow String Orchestra
LISTEN TO WORK IN PROGRESS SOUND BOARD
LISTEN HERE
Hailing from Shildon, County Durham, the historic ‘Cradle of the Railways’, Deborah Shaw, harpist, pianist, vocalist composer and sonic artist, will create a new bespoke work to celebrate Rail 200 - an innovative soundscape, and composition for strings. The works will compliment each other and be available for live performance / installation.
The work has been developed onsite at Tanfield Railway, and in partnership with Linlithgow String Orchestra, supported by Making Music Adopt a Composer Scheme and Creative Scotland.
The work will actively engage the conductor, whom will use a whistle, and some hand signals used by train guards to communicate.
the music
Taking inspiration from both the physical power and deep social impact of trains Deborah is working in collaboration with Tanfield Railway collecting live field recordings of George Stephenson's ‘Twizell’ locomotive, which will inspire the sound work and string composition ‘to capture the breath, hiss, and heartbeat of steam in motion, the rhythmic undulation of a moving engine, and the textures and timbres of the steam age:- purring pistons, sighing valves, and the mechanical sounds of locomotion.’
Now living in Edinburgh and working in Scotland, the work explores the journey of the ‘Flying Scotsman’ and it’s journey from London top Edinburgh.
Blending sounds stories and oral histories, this work will tread where previous composers have over the years, exploring the rhythms and sounds of railways, yes this time there is one considerable difference , the music is being composed by a woman. Shaw says
“As part of my research for this project I began by listening to other compositions inspired by steam and railways and was surprised to find these were all composed by men. As part of this comospoition I am keen to explore female voices in steam.”
Consequently Deborah has worked alongside female train driver from Tanfield Railway’s only female train driver Angela Pickering, shadowing her on the ‘Twizell’ recording sounds
Deborah has also partnered with Linlithgow String Orchestra, and director Bill jones in the creation of this piece, sponsored by Making Music Adopt a Music Creator, Creative Scotland and PRS Foundation.
Beyond the industrial, the composition will explore the wider legacy of the railway: its role in the Industrial Revolution, its environmental impact, and its musical influence, particularly on jazz, rhythm, and blues.
Overall, the piece contemplates journeys, both physical and personal. What journeys have locomotives taken us on? How does technology shape our creative worlds? How did the growth and decline of railways effect railway towns such as Shildon?
SEEKING FUNDING TO TOUR THE WORK
Deborah is now looking to partner with organisations to support the touring of this work. I am currently looking to partner with train companies, stations, museums and other cultural outlets (museums, libraries, galleries) to bring a string quartet to play the work and to air the soundscape. I am also inrterested in finding places interested in installing a soundwalk of the recorded and or a sound installation. The piece can be played by orchestra or smaller string quartet. If you would be interested in hosting us please contact debbie@shawmusic.co.uk 07952529307