Loop Walks Now Available

Loop Walks is a polyphonic poem in nine sections for choir. It begins with a series of eight poems, each one mapping a walk from memory. The routes range from night-time Dublin to Connemara bogs. Loop because each one, in some sense, starts out from its destination. The ninth and final section is a chorus that brings together the metaphysical concerns of the eight walking sections. The poems were written as part of a commission for the 2012 Béal Festival.

The primary compositional focus of the texts is rhythmic, with the rhythm varying to suit the terrain being walked and the pace of the walkers. Along with the written text, Billy Mills also wrote a grid to map the distribution of the text across four pairs of singers, itself another set of loops, an indication of rhythm for each section, and a recording of himself reading them. David Bremner produced a score based on this reading. This book contains text, score and a recording of the original festival by performance by ensembÉal.

hardPressed poetry and Béal have now published a limited edition book and CD set comprising the text, score and festival performance. You can buy it via the PayPal button on the right or by e-mailing us direct.